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Arapahoe County mulls proposal that would safeguard current affordable housing

**Arapahoe County Explores Preserving Affordable Housing at Reserve at South Creek**

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. — As Denver7 continues its coverage of solutions to Colorado’s affordable housing needs, efforts extend beyond new construction and groundbreaking ceremonies. Preservation of existing affordable homes is emerging as a critical part of addressing the housing challenge.

“Preservation must continue to be a part of solving the affordability challenge,” said Perica Bell, Managing Director and Head of Preservation at April Housing.

Based in Los Angeles, April Housing manages one of the nation’s largest low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) portfolios. The organization hopes to partner with Arapahoe County to take over the Reserve at South Creek apartment complex—located near S. Jordan Road, E. Broncos Parkway, and Dove Parkway—which currently offers dozens of affordable housing units. The goal: preserve these existing affordable units and expand affordability within the community.

“Demand continues to outpace the production of new housing,” Bell explained. “So continuing to build new housing alone, without concerted efforts to preserve existing quality, affordable housing, will continue to result in a net loss.”

The current proposal aims to preserve 69 affordable units within the complex and convert the other 99 market-rate units into affordable housing. All units would be rented at rates affordable to households earning 60% or less of the area median income.

Elizabeth Loomis, Division Manager of Community Development, Housing, and Homeless Services at Arapahoe County, emphasized the importance of community stability. “We want to ensure that our families are staying rooted within their communities, so their children can continue their education in their pre-existing school districts, and we continue assisting individuals with employment,” she said.

If approved by the Arapahoe County Housing Authority at its meeting next week, the county would hold a 1% interest stake in the development.

Bell outlined the next steps in the process: “It’s really a step-by-step process. The second portion is going to the State to apply for tax credits and bonds. That process dictates the timeline—it could be as soon as the end of the year or it might take a bit longer.”

Arapahoe County recently surveyed thousands of residents to identify community priorities, with housing emerging as a key concern—31% of respondents listed it as a priority.

A significant part of the proposal involves April Housing overseeing renovations and safety improvements for the units. Bell described the process known as “re-syndication,” in which existing tax credit properties secure additional tax credits and financing.

“This allows us to make substantial renovations and improvements to residents’ homes,” Bell said. “Residents receive refreshed and renewed homes, often with updated amenities, along with the assurance of longer-term affordability.”

The Arapahoe County Housing Authority is scheduled to meet on January 27 to discuss the preservation plan for the Reserve at South Creek. This potential partnership marks a promising step toward stabilizing and expanding affordable housing options within the county.
https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/arapahoe-county-mulls-proposal-that-would-safeguard-current-affordable-housing

Council denies request to de-annex Berlin Road properties from Lebanon

**Lebanon City Council Denies Request for Property De-Annexation Along Berlin Road**

During the regular meeting on Wednesday, January 14, Lebanon City Council members denied a request from property owners seeking to de-annex from the city. The request involved three property owners, located near each other along Berlin Road, who met with city officials last month to discuss withdrawing their properties from the city limits.

Development Services Director Shana Olson reported that the property owners — Edward Goering (32756 Berlin Road), Richard Poland (32777 Berlin Road), and Gary Cummings (32783 Berlin Road) — cited limited access to city utilities and infrastructure, public safety concerns including homeless encampments, trespassing, thefts, and the desire to reduce property tax obligations as reasons for their request. It should be noted that Cummings later withdrew his de-annexation request.

Although city water and sewer connections are available more than a mile north of these properties, the owners expressed no interest in connecting to these services, according to City Manager Ron Whitlatch.

Berlin Road falls under the jurisdiction of the Lebanon Police Department. Olson shared that the department responded to 66 calls in this area during the last six months and has recently intensified efforts to engage with encampments and address trespassing issues.

Further research revealed that Cummings’ and Poland’s properties were originally part of two parcels owned by the Nordstrands. In 2001, the Nordstrands annexed these parcels into the city and subsequently divided the larger lot into three smaller parcels. Linn County code does not permit such subdivision of these parcels. These subdivided properties were then sold.

Goering’s property was similarly formed through annexation and partition by Morse Brothers Construction and Ted Halstengard in the 1980s and 1990s.

“The properties that they’re currently living on right now that have been subdivided, they would not be living there without taking advantage of the city code,” Whitlatch stated. While the current property owners were not responsible for the original subdivision, the parcels were annexed into the city limits specifically to benefit from city codes — and now the owners want to reverse that.

After some discussion, no motion was made to approve the de-annexation request.

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**Wastewater Treatment Plant Facilities Master Plan Presented**

Public Works Director Jason Williams presented an updated Wastewater Treatment Plant Facilities Master Plan, outlining a long-term strategy to address regulatory compliance, aging infrastructure, capacity limitations, and future growth projections.

Williams described the plan as containing “a long list” of phased projects extending through 2045. He noted, “Over the course of this document, 2025 through 2045, the total cost of projects listed here are $95,550,29 [sic].”

The wastewater treatment plant, originally built in 1954 and upgraded in 1976, has undergone several improvements over the years. “Since then we’ve gone through everything we can to keep it functioning and meeting regulation,” Williams added.

The master plan phases are as follows:

– **Phase One:** Improvements to solids stream treatment
– **Phase Two:** Enhancements to liquids stream treatment
– **Phase Three:** Final upgrades to liquids stream and supporting infrastructure improvements

The plan includes an evaluation of current facility conditions, projections of wastewater flow demands through 2045, identification of deficiencies, and consideration of anticipated legal and regulatory changes.

City Council will review the master plan again and vote on its adoption during the March meeting.

The full master plan document is available to view online.

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**In Other Business**

[Content for other business items, if applicable, can be inserted here.]
https://www.sweethomenews.com/council-denies-request-to-de-annex-berlin-road-properties-from-lebanon/

Philadelphia’s City Council honors pioneer journalist Michael Days with resolution

Former editor of The Philadelphia Daily News and The Philadelphia Inquirer, Michael Days, participated in a roundtable discussion on the 40th anniversary of the MOVE bombing at The Philadelphia Tribune in May 2025.

Philadelphia City Council honored the life and legacy of pioneer reporter and editor Michael Days on Thursday. Days died on October 18 at the age of 72.

He served as the first Black editor and the last overall editor of the Philadelphia Daily News before its merger with The Philadelphia Inquirer, where he was managing editor from 2011 to 2012. A Roman Catholic graduate, Days worked for both papers from 1986 until his retirement in 2020.

Even after leaving the industry full-time, the NABJ Hall of Famer remained deeply invested in journalism. He helped start the NABJ-Philadelphia chapter in August 2023 and served as its president.

“His resume was extensive and impressive but there was so much more,” said Inquirer reporter and NABJ-Philly’s President Melanie Burney during public comment. “Husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend to many. He was a proud son of Philadelphia. He often reminded us he was from North Philadelphia, and the beauty of Michael Days was his ability to make everyone feel special.”

Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson introduced the resolution on behalf of Council President Kenyatta Johnson. The resolution passed unanimously with a moment of silence.

Inquirer columnist Jenice Armstrong called on NABJ members and working journalists “whose lives have been impacted by Michael Days” to stand during her remarks.

“He was fair, he was compassionate and he was committed, especially committed, to helping underserved communities,” Armstrong said. “Our city is better because of his work at The Daily News and The Inquirer, and I’m better, as a person and a journalist, for having had him as a boss, as editor, mentor, and a friend.”

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**Spotlight**

Misty Copeland broke barriers as the first Black female principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre. Now, through her nonprofit, she’s making dance more accessible for children of color.
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/philadelphias-city-council-honors-pioneer-journalist-michael-days-with-resolution/article_a9649361-3ae3-4b0b-9fa7-379756d393fc.html

Arlington Heights mom appointed to District 21 school board

Angelika Husmann, a resident of Arlington Heights and a parent, has been appointed to fill a vacancy on the Wheeling Township Elementary District 21 school board.

Her appointment brings a fresh perspective to the board, with a focus on supporting local students and families. As an active member of the community, Husmann is committed to contributing to the district’s continued success and growth.

The school board looks forward to her involvement and the positive impact she will have on the education of the district’s children.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20251021/news/arlington-heights-mom-appointed-to-district-21-school-board/

Local leaders break ground on new apartments in North Philly for people exiting homelessness

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday in North Philadelphia to mark the beginning of construction on new apartments designed to support people exiting homelessness. The new facility, named House of Grace, is located at 1315 W. Hunting Park Ave. It will feature 45 efficiency apartments, including 11 accessible units.

This development is the latest housing project from Project HOME, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Philadelphians to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty through housing.

“As we break ground today, we are not just building a structure, we are building on that legacy, on that vision,” said Project HOME CEO Donna Bullock. “We are building the future we want to live in, one where every person has a place to call home at Project HOME. We say it often, we say it proudly, and we say it with deep conviction. None of us is home until all of us are home.”

Bullock was joined by Mayor Cherelle Parker, state Sen. Sharif Street, Michael Young (president and CEO of Temple University Health), and Mark Schwartz (vice chair of the Board of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, or PHFA) for the ceremonial groundbreaking.

The development is expected to open next year.

Funding and Support

Mark Schwartz announced $16.7 million in funding for the health and housing programs at the new facility. This includes $1.6 million in low-income housing credits, which helped generate $15 million in equity from partner Citizens Bank. Additionally, PHFA and Schwartz will provide $1.85 million in tax credits for Project HOME’s next project, marking a record tax credit donation.

Mayor Cherelle Parker emphasized her belief in taking a “holistic, comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness” and supporting individuals facing mental health challenges and substance abuse disorders. She also reiterated her administration’s ambitious goal through the H.O.M.E. initiative to create and preserve 30,000 housing units in the city. “One housing unit at a time — that’s how we are going to get to 30,000,” Parker said.

State Senator Sharif Street, who is running for Congress, highlighted the importance of housing citing, “Housing equals dignity. Surroundings matter and having a place to live. Is it warm? Is it dry? Are you safe? Do you have a place to eat? These things matter.”

Voices from the Community

Nephali Andujar, a resident at Project HOME’s Inn of Amazing Mercy in Kensington, spoke about the impact of the organization’s work. “My father always told me that there are three things a person needs in life. You can’t do anything without housing. You need a place to stay. You need food and you need love,” he said.

“All of that I found here at Project HOME,” Andujar added. “When you help one person, it affects many people. By helping me, they have helped my family. No more sleepless nights. My daughter is 14. Now she’s proud of me. People who have known me during those dark days, and they see me now, for them is an inspiration.”

For more information, contact:

sstone@phillytrib.com
215-893-5781
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/local-leaders-break-ground-on-new-apartments-in-north-philly-for-people-exiting-homelessness/article_3305cd00-8887-47b6-831b-d09f2409a9c9.html

CPS gets $522 million boost from Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget proposal

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s new budget proposal recommends that the city declare a historic surplus of funds from special taxing districts, shoring up the finances of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) for the academic year.

The draft budget, unveiled Thursday, calls for the city to draw $1 billion from its Tax Increment Financing districts, or TIFs. More than half of that money is slated for CPS, covering the $379 million the district already anticipated and a controversial $175 million municipal pension payment.

This move marks a rare victory for CPS, allowing school officials to maintain their August spending plan—which relied heavily on TIF money—and spare classrooms from deeper cuts.

### Understanding TIF Funds and Surplus

The pooled funds from TIF districts—taxing areas drawn around the city—are intended for local development projects. However, when the TIFs expire or are declared to have a surplus, meaning there is an excess of funds not obligated to specific projects, the money is disbursed across local government bodies. CPS receives roughly 52% of the cut, while the city receives 23%. This year, that amounts to a potential $522 million for the district.

Before the Chicago Board of Education passed the district’s $10.25 billion budget in late August, school officials said they had received assurances from City Council that a declared TIF surplus would allocate at least $379 million to CPS. But questions remained over whether that record surplus would actually materialize, and the district lacked a clear backup plan.

CPS had also pledged to help the city cover the $175 million municipal pension payment for nonteaching employees—but only “contingent on additional revenue.” This payment had become a major point of contention. More than half of the recipients of the Municipal Employees’ Annuity and Benefit Fund are district staff. Up until 2020, the city footed the bill as required by state law. However, Johnson and his predecessor, former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, shifted the responsibility to CPS.

### Political Fallout and Budget Impact

The political back-and-forth over the pension payment contributed to the resignation of the entire school board last year and the subsequent firing of former CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. Johnson’s Thursday budget proposal offers some closure to this protracted debate—at least for now. It remains unclear who will assume liability in future budget seasons.

Chicago Board of Education member Michilla Blaise lauded the move at a Thursday morning press conference, noting it came from direct negotiations between some board members and the mayor’s office.

“The CPS budget passed in August was built on hope and balanced on paper, but not in reality,” Blaise said. “This commitment prevents any mid-year cuts and allows us to maintain stability in our classrooms. It also provides essential support for the pensions of CPS non-teaching personnel—the front line staff who clean our buildings, who feed our children and support our students who have the greatest needs.”

### Covering Additional Funding Gaps

The potential TIF revenue would also cover a canceled $8 million federal grant. Last month, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights announced it would withhold the funds after CPS refused to end its Black Student Success Program, which Trump administration officials claimed violates federal antidiscrimination laws.

Blaise said the extra revenue helps maintain those inclusivity programs facing government criticism. “Despite pressure from the White House, this agreement is essentially Trump-proofing the CPS budget,” she said.

### Next Steps and Reactions

City Council must approve Johnson’s budget by December 31. Aldermen could still object to declaring such a large TIF surplus, as the funds are intended to drive redevelopment in their wards. However, in August, the majority signed a letter committing to a substantial surplus to help CPS.

Educational nonprofit Kids First Chicago applauded the city yesterday for the potential bump in funding but also advocated that the district not sign any intergovernmental agreement committing funds to Chicago before the TIF surplus amount is decided on or a budget is passed.

Though the prospective funds are a win, the city’s final budget is not yet set in stone, Kids First Chicago’s Chief of Policy Hal Woods told the Tribune ahead of Thursday’s meeting. “It’s going to take negotiations to see how much TIF surplus is ultimately swept. But certainly, we’re celebrating today,” Woods said Wednesday afternoon.

Some budget watchdogs, such as the Civic Federation, argue that relying on TIF surplus money is an unsustainable solution that could exacerbate the city’s structural deficit. Still, recent Chicago mayors have declared increasingly large surpluses to plug budget gaps.

In 2014, the city declared a TIF surplus of $65 million, with CPS receiving a $36 million cut. By 2025, the total surplus amount topped a record $712 million. CPS received $379 million of those funds, which accounted for 4% of its budget.

### CPS’s Continuing Fiscal Challenges

The district continues to grapple with fiscal woes after years of borrowing to cover current expenses and outstanding debt. CPS has about $9.1 billion in long-term debt and $450 million of short-term debt to be paid down over time. Its bond rating is considered “junk” by three of four rating agencies, making borrowing more expensive.

Expenses will only grow as CPS funds the Chicago Teachers Union’s new contract, set to cost $1.5 billion over four years.

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Chicago Tribune’s A.D. Quig contributed to this report.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/16/proposed-mayor-johnson-budget-cps/

Northeast Texas’ last independent hospital gets temporary reprieve from sale, but residents worry about future

For at least a little while longer, Titus Regional Medical Center—the last independent hospital in Northeast Texas—will remain that way.
https://news-journal.com/2025/10/15/northeast-texas-last-independent-hospital-gets-temporary-reprieve-from-sale-but-residents-worry-about-future/

County supervisors OK transfer of $1.5M for Santa Maria Sports Complex

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors approved the transfer of $1.5 million to the City of Santa Maria on Tuesday.

These funds were allocated in the 2021-22 budget to support the then-conceptual Santa Maria Sports Complex. This move marks a significant step forward for the development of the sports complex, providing essential financial support for the project’s progress.
https://santamariatimes.com/news/local/county-supervisors-ok-transfer-of-1-5m-for-santa-maria-sports-complex/article_f751dbb5-0ae7-4f85-aa80-0c88b45c8b4a.html

市職員の妻「早く元の生活に」　前橋市長とホテル面会

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title: 市職員の妻「早く元の生活に」前橋市長とホテル面会
date: 2025-10-14 18:31
categories: [社会]
tags: [前橋市, 小川晶, 市職員, コメント, 面会]
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前橋市の小川晶市長とラブホテルで複数回面会した男性職員の妻は、14日、代理人弁護士を通じて次のコメントを文書で報道機関に公表しました。

「一日も早く元通りの平穏な生活に戻りたい」

また、妻は市長を訴えることは考えていないとしています。

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