Pullman pledges money for affordable housing

PULLMAN – The Community Action Center is a step closer to constructing a new affordable housing complex with a promise of funding from the city of Pullman.

The Pullman City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to provide $65,000 from the city’s arterial streets fund and utilities fund, aiding in the future construction project. The city’s funding will help the nonprofit organization compete for tax credits, part of a state program that provides primary financing for such projects.

“It’s a really positive step forward for assisting those in need,” said Councilor Nathan Weller.

The housing complex proposal includes 56 apartment units on approximately 5 acres south of Village Centre Cinemas off of South Bishop Boulevard. Veterans, people with disabilities and homeless families with children will be given first priorities in leasing the apartments.

Jeff Guyett, executive director for the Community Action Center, said after Tuesday’s meeting that the construction project has been in the works for more than a year.

“Our housing for low-income families is really insufficient,” Guyett said.

Guyett said the $65,000 from the council – which will be used to extend South Bypass Street and add utilities from the movie theater to the construction site – is “critical” for making the project competitive for additional funding from the state.

The goal is to start construction in May or June, Guyett said, with the project expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete.