STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Economic Development
AGENDA DATE: May 22, 2024
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 1
DEPARTMENT: Department of Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization
EXECUTIVE: Robin Bentley
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SUBJECT
Title
Authorize (1) the approval of the City Council of the City of Dallas, to act as the applicable elected representative, as defined by Section 147(f)(2)(E) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Code), of the issuance of multifamily residential mortgage revenue bonds (Bonds) issued by the City of Dallas Housing Finance Corporation in one or more series of tax-exempt bonds in an amount not to exceed $35,000,000.00; proceeds of the Bonds will be loaned to Generation Housing Partners, LLC or its affiliate, TX Illinois 2024, Ltd. (collectively referred to as Borrower) to finance a portion of the cost of the renovation of units for an affordable multifamily complex to be known as Hi Line Illinois and located at 4710 West Illinois Avenue, Dallas, Texas, 75211 (Development); and (2) the approval of the application of the Texas Housing Finance Corporations Act, Chapter 394, Local Government Code (Act), to the property on which the Development will be constructed and the use of proceeds of the bonds issued by the DHFC pursuant to the Act to finance and construct the Development; a public hearing with respect to the Bonds and the Development was held on April 18, 2024 after reasonable public notice was published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Dallas all in compliance with Section 147(f) of the Code - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
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BACKGROUND
Generation Housing Partners, LLC, or its affiliate, TX Illinois 2024, Ltd. (collectively referred to as Borrower) proposes the Dallas Housing Finance Corporation (DHFC) or its affiliate acquire the property at 4710 West Illinois Avenue and subsequently enter into a long-term lease for the Development. The Development will consist of 200 newly constructed units. The unit mix includes 40 one-bedroom units, 100 two-bedroom units, and 60 three-bedroom units. The units will be equipped with large balconies, personal storage, granite countertops, Energy Star Appliances, and other Class-A features. The property also has a resort‐style swimming pool, children’s playscape, and sports court, clubhouse, leasing center, furnished fitness center, community lounge, and business center. The community will offer laptops to its residents for “check‐out” to do schoolwork, tax‐preparation, budgeting and/or life‐planning, or for simple everyday needs. Lighted public sidewalks will be built along both West Illinois Avenue and Knoxville Street, enhanced with lush landscaping and street trees. Underground detention will be utilized to provide additional parking and resident amenities.
The Borrower will also work with the Office of Integrated Public Safety Solutions for security input/upgrades, community activities, and incorporate best practices of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. Additionally, the Developer will provide modern security features to include a full camera system, controlled access, a community crime watch program, and participation in National Night Out to ensure a safe living environment for all residents and staff.
The Borrower proposes to provide on-site resident services including:
1. Health and wellness classes;
2. Financial literacy classes;
3. Tax preparation classes;
4. Homeownership classes;
5. Fitness classes;
6. Monthly community events; and
7. Nutrition and Diet Seminars.
On September 12, 2023, the DHFC authorized an inducement in an amount not to exceed $35,000,000.00. On October 19, 2023, the Borrower submitted an application for the allocation of $35,000,000.00 in private activity bonds to the Texas Bond Review Board (TBRB). The DHFC is awaiting the bond reservation.
Since the Development is located within the City of Dallas, Section 147 (f) of the Internal Revenue Code requires that in order for the bonds to be tax exempt, the City Council, the applicable elected representative of the City of Dallas, must approve the issuance of the bonds by the Issuer following a public hearing. The City of Dallas is not asked to issue bonds. The bonds shall not be a debt, liability, or an obligation of the City nor shall any of the City’s assets be pledged for payment of the bonds. The City’s name will not appear on the bonds. The approval being requested is only for the purpose of complying with federal law and with regard to tax exempt debt.
The Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) hearing notice was published in the Dallas Morning News on April 10, 2024. On April 18, 2024, the public hearing was held with no outside participants in attendance, and thus, no comments made. Under applicable federal income tax law, the TEFRA approval may only be valid for a one-year term. It is anticipated that the tax-exempt bonds to fund a portion of the costs for the Development will close on or about June 2024.
The Texas Housing Finance Corporations Act, Chapter 394 of the Texas Local Government Code requires that the City of Dallas approve the issuance of bonds by the DHFC and their use to finance the construction and development of affordable housing.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On September 12, 2023, the DHFC authorized an inducement in an amount not to exceed $35,000,000.00.
On February 14, 2024, the City Council held a public hearing and following, adopted a Resolution of No Objection related to the Development and Borrower’s 4% Non-Competitive Low Income Housing Tax Credits application to TDHCA by Resolution No. 24-0289.
The Housing and Homelessness Solutions Committee was briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on May 17, 2024. <https://dallascityhall.com/government/citymanager/Documents/FY23-24%20Memos/COD%20Friday%20Memo%20-%20TEFRA%20Items_CRE051324%20Final%20signed%20by%20RB.pdf>
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.
MAP
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