Affordable housing in Billings Heights

Residents of the Billings Heights neighborhood are expressing growing frustration over the prolonged delay of an affordable housing project on Sioux Lane.

 

Initially slated to deliver 102 units, the development has seen little progress since modular housing units were transported to the site two years ago.

 

HomeFront, the housing authority overseeing the project, had repurposed modular units from the Bakken oil fields for this initiative.

 

However, the site remains largely undeveloped, leading to community concerns.

 

Local resident Michael Gonzalez noted, "There was an empty lot there, and then all of a sudden semi trucks with 2 to 3 of these little portable housing things started showing up."

 

He added that the delay has altered the neighborhood's atmosphere, stating, "The buildings and stuff aren't the best. They're not like they're brand new or anything, but it has attracted different types of people into the neighborhood, so I've got to be a little bit more vigilant."

 

Another neighbor, Wendy Saunders, shared similar sentiments, describing the site as "a mess" and expressing a desire for its removal.

 

In response to these concerns, HomeFront CEO Patti Webster explained that windows were boarded up due to vandalism by local youth.

 

She acknowledged the project's challenges, noting that the original $18 million estimate has doubled.

 

Despite these setbacks, Webster indicated that collaboration with architects, construction firms, the city, and investors has paved the way for potential construction commencement later this summer.

 

Karissa Trujillo, executive director for Homeword, which is partnering with HomeFront on the project, expressed optimism, stating, "We actually have an investor who's ready to invest in the project, and so we're feeling a lot more confident now."

 

For residents like Gonzalez, the message is clear: "Some resolution, you know, I understand people do stuff and they want to make the community better and they have all these building plans. Finish what you start."

 

As the community awaits further developments, the hope is that the project will soon fulfill its promise of providing much-needed affordable housing in the area.