By Andrew de Souza

Call for affordable housing proposals

Mar 3, 2011 | 9:34 AM

The city is hoping developers will put forward a plan to create more mid-level obtainable housing in the East Hill.

City property co-ordinator Elaine McCloy told a group of developers Wednesday about the request for proposals for an area on the East Hill.

She said the city wanted innovative ideas and would give favour to proposals that would keep the properties affordable.

“We’re looking at the mid-range of attainability. You’re looking at $350,000 starting for a house in say, Crescent Acres and nobody coming out of university with a student loan can afford that,” said McCloy.

“We’re hearing from those professionals there’s not a lot to rent in the city, the rental rates are just about as high in some cases as what a mortgage would be and they’re looking to stay in Prince Albert and to live in Prince Albert and to own a home and that’s the group we’re looking at.”

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The city is looking for proposals on an area of about 4.6 acres on western end of Southwood Drive.

Currently, it’s zoned for small single family dwellings, but McCloy said the city would entertain rezoning the land, subject to public consultations, if developers brought forward strong plans.

According to the RFP, the city is hoping that final product will produce homes between $150,000-$200,000.

As well, the city is set to give preference to developers who are willing to keep the area attainable for future generations of homeowners. The city is says it will give favour to developers who attach a clause in the land titles that homes can only resell for the original price or 75 per cent of the market value, whichever is greater.

“We want something out of the norms that’s attractive,” said McCloy.

The RFP closes at 2:30 p.m. on March 10. Interested developers can pick up a copy at the city’s purchasing department.

adesouza@panow.com