Developer plans two four-plexes for empty lots in Fairfield

FAIRFIELD — The Fairfield City Council approved the sale of city property to a developer who plans to build two four-plexes on the land.

During its meeting June 27, the council approved the sale of three lots on South Fifth Street to developer Woody Orne for $35,100. Fairfield City Administrator Aaron Kooiker told the council that figure was arrived at because that is the assessed value of the land.

Orne has informed the council that he plans to begin construction of the two four-plexes next spring.

These lots are located directly north of Logan Apartments, which was also previously city property until it was sold a few years ago. Kooiker said the sale of these three lots means the city no longer owns property on South Fifth.

“The city doesn’t want to maintain empty lots,” he said. “We’re doing this [sale] in order to spur development and increase our housing stock. We thought this was the best way to benefit the community.”

The city has a development agreement with Orne whereby he will receive a 10-year tax abatement of 100 percent of the improved portion of the property, which is the same tax abatement the city offers all builders of multi-family dwellings. Kooiker said the city plans to change that tax abatement rule in the near future so that only 75 percent of the taxes would be abated in 10 years.

Another development the city is helping to foster is the construction of multi-family housing in Utopia Park, on the north side of the campus of Maharishi International University. The university is planning to replace 13 trailers in the park, which was constructed in 1983.

In July 2021, Martin Brett of Vastu Partners announced his intention to build 16 units in the housing development, starting with a pair of three-plexes and later a pair of five-plexes.

At its meeting June 27, the council approved a resolution to support Vastu Partners’ application for Workforce Housing Tax Credits through the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com