The Fort Scott City Commission approved a resolution to support an application by a Desoto, KS property developer to turn the former Fort Scott Manor Nursing Home into apartments.
Following that approval, Shane Lamb, Rural ReDevelopment Group LLC, sent a Housing Investors Tax Credit application in for the property located on Fort Scott’s west side at 736 S. Heylman.
Lamb and Susan Galemore, who is with Southeast Kansas Economic Development Coalition, appeared together before the commission on Feb. 7. Galemore helped Lamb prepare the application.
Lamb has applied for tax credits from the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation to develop the property into 19 rental units.
“Fifteen will be one-bedroom units, four will be two-bedroom units,” Lamb said. “It is on less than two acres and the building is approximately 20,000 square feet.”
Lamb purchased the Fort Scott Manor property in January of 2022, he said. “It was closed down by the state several years ago, then went through bankruptcy proceedings. I believe it has been closed for three years.”
The Fort Scott property will not be low-income apartment rentals, Galemore said. “They will be standard market, not income based.”
“We focus on rural towns and rural housing,” he said. “Typically, we purchase nursing homes, schools, hospitals…single-use vacant properties we convert to housing.”
“We have 13 projects completed across different states, the closest to Fort Scott is one in Yates Center,” Lamb said. “We have 18 projects in the works.”
The grants are very competitive, Lamb said. “If I don’t get it the first time, we can apply again. I think it is every three months.”
The grants awarded are based on the communities need, he said. “Which community needs housing more than others.”
“I am on their timeline,” he said. “Once I get the green light, I can start and have 18 months to finish.”
Lamb said he always tries to use qualified local contractors and buy materials locally.
“I always try to keep the money local,” he said. “It doesn’t work 100 percent of the time. Sometimes you can’t find local partners to meet those deadlines…because they are so busy.”
Lamb said he should know by the end of March 2023 if he was awarded the grant.
New applications to be reviewed, processed subject to availability of funds
The Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund (KHAF), a federally funded, temporary emergency program to support homeowners experiencing hardship during the COVID pandemic, has dispersed nearly all program funds and will close soon. KHAF was established with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help qualifying Kansas homeowners get current on their mortgage payments and avoid foreclosure. Since the program launched in April 2022, KHAF has provided $42,599,772 to 3,797 households.
The KHAF program is now in the Hold Phase, the second of three closure phases. On January 30, 2023, households were encouraged to apply for assistance as soon as possible. The program has now received enough applications to exhaust all current funds, ending Final Funding phase. Applications submitted during Final Funding Phase will still be reviewed and processed, subject to available funding.
The closure process will follow three phases. Here’s what this means for Kansas homeowners in need of assistance:
1. Final Funding Phase: On Jan. 30, 2023, homeowners seeking KHAF support were encouraged to apply to be considered for final funding.
2. Hold Phase: The program has received enough applications to fully expend all KHAF funds. Applications submitted during Hold Phase will be placed on hold and will not be reviewed or processed unless sufficient program funds are available.
3. Closure Phase: When all program funds are exhausted the program will close and will stop accepting new applications.
The KHAF program is now in Hold Phase. The length and dates of each phase will be subject to a variety of factors, including application volume and amount of assistance requested. Each program closure phase will be announced on the KHAF webpage.
For more questions, applicants can reach KHAF customer service at 855-307-KHAF (5423), or review the KHAF closure FAQs. KHRC’s ongoing housing programs will continue to serve Kansans beyond the closure of the KHAF program.
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The KHAF program is administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency, administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.
19 S. Main, is on the left, with 23 S. Main on the left. The buildings are located at the corner of First and Main Street.
The City of Fort Scott approved two resolutions for an apartment project at 19 and 23 S. Main.
Currently Spoiled Brat Beauty Salon and Main Street Vintage and Co. are housed on the main floor of the two buildings.
The Project
Justin Pregont, with Pomeroy Development LLC, of Atchinson, appeared before the Fort Scott City Commission this month to ask for and did receive approval for the submission of a moderate income housing grant application to the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.
In addition he sought and was approved for submission of a Rural Housing Incentive District and an Industrial Revenue Bond issue in support of the project.
The entire process of a project like this can take several years, Pregont said in an interview, and all plans are contingent on the receiving of the funds from the grants. In late March 2023, he will be notified from the state if he is a winner of the first of the grants, which he said is very competitive.
The Van Fossen Apartments is the name of the project. It is a sixteen unit adaptive reuse and historic preservation project approximately 16,000 square feet of the second and third floors of the Van Fossen building at 23 S. Main as well as a comprehensive renovation of the second floor of 19 S. Main, which has approximately 3,000 square feet.
Pregont sought the city’s approval to apply for $1,375,000 in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) category, a federal stimulus bill to aid public health and economic recovery.
It is in the Moderate-Income Housing (MIH) category of the grant. He stated that the city’s responsibility is administrative, because the checks must flow through a local government sponsor.
Pregont told the commission he has similar projects he has done in the past. He stated that he is the sponsor, he is responsible for carrying it through to completion and he is responsible for the compliance, but the funds flow through the city.
“A friend of mine notified me of the real estate listing,” Pregont said. “We like historic buildings, they are superior in architecture to modern.
The historic tax credits are a big piece of the funding of such projects.
The Apartments
The apartments will be “top of the market”, Pregont said, and the rents will reflect that. “It will provide quality housing for people who want something better.”
He said he knows people are concerned about the increased shortage of parking spaces in the historic downtown area.
“Anytime there is a booming downtown, there is parking distress,” he said. “It’s an indication of success.”
The primary entrance will not be on Main Street, but on First Street near the alley, which should help with the parking issue currently on Main Street, he said.
Whether pets will be allowed in the apartments, Pregont said it is uncertain at this time, although therapy dogs will be, according to laws that are in place.
Many business owners and downtown residents have expressed concern over animal feces in the downtown area.
About the Name
The buildings were built in the 1880s by Van Fossen and Wilcox, Pregont said. It was originally a dry goods store, but through the years saw many transformations.
“Van Fossen is a unique name, so we went with that,” Pregont said.
There is a need in communities to get abandoned and vacant properties to land purchasers that can improve the property.
To this end, the Fort Scott Land Bank was initiated in 2018 and last month a manager for the program was hired.
“Vacant and abandoned properties have negative spillover effects that impact neighboring properties and, when concentrated, entire communities and even cities. Research links foreclosed, vacant, and abandoned properties with reduced property values, increased crime, increased risk to public health and welfare, and increased costs for municipal governments,” according to https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/
Pat Bishop has been appointed manager of the Fort Scott Land Bank. The appointment was effective as of January 1, 2023.
Bishop now is responsible for acquiring unused properties and maintaining them, pending transfer to a new owner.
His most important responsibility will be the sale or transfer of properties to buyers through setting up the framework for the clearing of title, negotiation of the purchase price and negotiation of the development agreement, he said.
All of the responsibilities are subject to the approval of the Land Bank Board of Trustees.
The City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County government entities share the salary for the position which is $20,000 per year.
“My hours are 1 -5 p.m. Monday through Friday, though I am available at all times,” Bishop said.
Bishop and his wife, Cathy, have lived in Fort Scott for 44 years and he was a practicing attorney in Bourbon County for 29 years.
Bishop has been integral in the preparation of the legal documentation necessary for the last two Bourbon County tax foreclosure sales, working with the Bourbon County Counselor, and therefore is familiar with the acquisition process, he said.
Bishop may be contacted at 620-224-6962. His email address is [email protected].
Bourbon County has provided Mr. Bishop an office in the courthouse located at 210 S. National.
The job requires that he be out of the office quite often, and contact is recommended via phone or email, he said.
What the Fort Scott Land Bank Does
“In 2018 the City of Fort Scott established the Fort Scott Land Bank,” Bishop said. “The purpose of the Land Bank is to acquire title to dilapidated, vacant or unused properties and convert them to productive use.”
These properties do not contribute to the tax base, and in addition create fire and safety hazards and reduce the value of surrounding properties, he said.
Most of the properties are acquired through Bourbon County tax foreclosure sale, though properties have been and may be donated to the Fort Scott Land Bank.
“At this point in time the Land Bank has 49 Fort Scott properties in its inventory,” Bishop said. ” All these properties are either vacant lots or structures in need of repair.”
The Land Bank determines the best usage for a property, he said.
Points considered for the usage for the property are the neighborhood, the size of the lot, and the condition of any structures, he said. And there is an attempt to sell the property for value in accordance with a development agreement between the Land Bank and the purchaser.
The agreement will require the developer to improve the property, such as building a house or remodeling an existing structure, within a given period of time, according to Bishop. If the developer fails to comply with the terms of the agreement, the property reverts to the Land Bank.
When the property is purchased, the Land Bank is required to maintain the premises, such as mowing, and may have to cause an unsafe structure to be removed, he said.
“The decision to sell land bank property will not be determined solely on the basis of purchase price,” he said. “The Board of Trustees will consider the proposed usage,” he said.
The construction of housing on a property is the most important consideration as there is a scarcity of affordable housing in Fort Scott, Bishop said.
“Other priorities in the following order are: protection of properties for historic preservation, government or public use, ownership by non-profits, such as a church, ownership by adjacent property owners for side-lot acquisitions and green or garden spaces for public benefit,” he said.
Fort Scott Land Bank Board of Trustees
The Fort Scott Land Bank Board of Trustees are appointed by the Fort Scott City Commission and presently consists of Craig Campbell, Chairperson; Robert Coon, Vice Chairperson; Bailey Lyons, Treasurer; Josh Jones, (City Commissioner) Jim Harris, (Bourbon County Commissioner), Rob Harrington (Bourbon County Regional Economic Director) and Patrick Wood.
Homeowners in need of assistance encouraged to apply now
TOPEKA – The Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund (KHAF), a federally funded, temporary emergency program to support homeowners experiencing hardship during the COVID pandemic, has disbursed nearly all program funds and will close soon. The program has entered Final Funding stage, the first of three closure phases. Homeowners in need of assistance are encouraged to apply now, while funding is still available.
“The economic impact of the pandemic continues to be felt by families and communities across the state,” said Ryan Vincent, Executive Director of Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), which administers the KHAF program. “This assistance has provided housing stability and preserved the dream of homeownership for more than 3000 Kansas families in need.”
KHAF was established with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help qualifying Kansas homeowners get current on their mortgage payments and avoid foreclosure. Eligible homeowners at least 30 days past-due on mortgage and/or property taxes can receive payment assistance for mortgages, utility bills, property taxes, and other charges associated with delinquency. Since the program launched in April 2022, KHAF has provided $39,886,389 to 3,549 households.
The closure process will follow three phases. Here’s what this means for Kansas homeowners in need of assistance:
1. Final Funding Phase: Homeowners seeking KHAF support should apply as soon as possible to be considered for final funding.
2. Hold Phase: Once the program receives enough applications to fully expend all KHAF funds, approval of new applications and recertifications will be subject to availability of remaining funds. Applications submitted during Hold Phase will be placed on hold and will not be reviewed or processed unless sufficient program funds are available.
3. Closure Phase: When all program funds are exhausted the program will close and will stop accepting new applications.
The KHAF program is now in Final Funding Phase. The length and dates of each phase will be subject to a variety of factors, including application volume and amount of assistance requested. Each program closure phase will be announced on the KHAF webpage.
For more questions, applicants can reach KHAF customer service at 855-307-KHAF (5423), or review the KHAF closure FAQs. KHRC’s ongoing housing programs will continue to serve Kansans beyond the closure of the KHAF program.
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The KHAF program is administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency, administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.
Persons wishing to sign up for the 2023 LIEAP Program are encouraged to attend a special sign up day Wednesday, January 25th from 11 am to 2 pm, at Bourbon County Senior Citizen’s Center, 26 N. Main, Fort Scott, KS.
A representative from Evergy will be available to assist in the sign up process and determining eligibility.
LIEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one time per year benefit.
The one time assistance payment is determined by household income, number of persons living at the address, type of dwelling, and source of heat.
Individuals must bring:
All proof of income for the past 30 days
Utility account numbers for Evergy & KS Gas Service
Security #’s for everyone in household
Persons eligible:
An adult living at the address must be personally responsible for paying the heating costs.
Applicants must show a recent history of payments toward the purchase of the primary heating energy.
Must meet income guidelines.
Those who cannot attend the special sign up on January 25th can still apply on the DCF website, www.dcf.gov by clicking “Apply for Services” or in person at the DCF Office and be eligible according to the guidelines by 5 pm, March 31st.
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. hired a consulting company to do local studies on retail, housing and labor in the county. That study was completed this fall.
“Last year, REDI was able to work with both Goldstone Consulting and O’Brian and Associates on the Retail, Housing, and Labor studies,” Rob Harrington, REDI CEO said. “These studies were able to provide us with the necessary data to move forward on several initiatives in 2023.”
“One of those initiatives is a Small Business Retention and Expansion Program for our local businesses,” he said. “We will be working throughout this next year to visit and create ways to help these companies continue to grow within Bourbon County. “
“We will also begin working with a group of citizens throughout Bourbon County on housing development initiatives,’ he said. “This housing committee will be instrumental in creating ways for us to not only attract developers but also new residents and marketing our communities to outside markets”.
REDI will continue to work to bring new developments in commercial and industrial business to Bourbon County by using the data from these reports as well as building on the partnerships that have grown over the last two years, Harrington said.
“All of the reports were paid for by Bourbon County REDI and we will continue to use our funds to help grow our county and ultimately work towards lowering taxes for everyone who lives and owns businesses in Bourbon County,” he said.
The city will be opening Buck Run Community Center, 735 S. Scott as a warming shelter today. The phone number is223.0386.
Please do not go out unless necessary and if you do, take extreme caution in driving and make sure you have warmer than usual clothing on in case of a breakdown or accident.
Power is still an issue south of town to the Garland area but crews are working as fast as possible to get it restored.
Cottonwood Estates in the 200 block of Fifth Street in Uniontown.
Uniontown’s Rural Renting Housing, Inc. has received a $40,000 grant to update bathrooms for the residents of Cottonwood Estates, located in the 200 block of Fifth Street.
The funds will be used to continue phase two of the rehabilitation process of the 12-unit housing complex.
“The first round of grant money we received was $25k,” Jennie McKee, site manager, said. “The funds received were to make ADA accessibility improvements to the bathrooms. This would include the zero threshold showers, adding grab bars, ADA height toilets, etc.. It was originally estimated that we could get 6 bathrooms completed for that amount but with the increase in materials we hope to get 5 bathrooms completed for the $25k. With the additional $40k in grant money we will be able to complete the remaining 7 bathrooms.”
“These walk-in showers will be very helpful for many of the tenants,” said McKee.
This is a zero threshold shower that is being completed in Cottonwood Estates.
Tenants must be 62 years old or receiving disability, SSI, from the government. Currently there is a waiting list for the units.
“We began the process one and a half years ago with a $25,000 grant through USDA,” she said. “We were hoping that would do the cost of the walk-in showers, but it didn’t. SEKRPC applied for a second round of grants.”
“The first round was tiled with zero threshold, the rest will be pre-made,” she said.
SEKRPC helps individuals, companies, and government agencies with finance packaging, advice, and procedures, according to its website. It’s resources are available for community improvement, economic development, and other urgent needs.
Three shower updates that were started with the first round of grants are nearing completion. They were empty units, waiting for new tenants
“They should be done before the end of the year,” McKee said.
“It took a long time for Rural Development to distribute the funds,” McKee said. “Contractor issues led to the project starting in September 2022.”
SG2, Uniontown, was the contractor following the bidding process.
When work begins in the second round of the shower project, the tenant will be displaced for about five days per apartment while the bathroom is remodeled.
A hospitality room in a nearby church will be utilized for that tenant while the remodel is underway.
Funds won’t be available until late winter or early spring 2023, she said.
“Rehabs of older properties are not usually given grants,” McKee said. “It’s usually new builds.”
This grant required no match from the grantee.
The Uniontown Rural Rental Inc. board is comprised of Ron Eldridge-president, Larry Jurgensen-vice president, Lucille Ward-secretary and treasurer and other members: Matt Noll, Dan Ramsey, Susan Karleskint and Brenda Gleason.
In normal years, the board meets twice yearly and more if needed.
Only 25 percent of Kansas Homeowner Assistance Funds remain
TOPEKA – The Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund (KHAF), a federally funded, temporary emergency program to support homeowners experiencing hardship during the COVID pandemic, has dispersed 75 percent of program funds. Since the program launched in April 2022, KHAF has provided $34,946,068 to 3,151 households. With a quarter of funds still available, homeowners in need of assistance are encouraged to apply now while funding remains.
“I was stressed and overwhelmed when I got behind on my mortgage payments,” said one KHAF applicant. “With so much going on in my life, I was hesitant to get started applying. However, I learned that the application process was much easier than I thought. My advice to others is to apply now; don’t wait. If you need help, you can always call a KHAF customer service representative.”
KHAF was established with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help qualifying Kansas homeowners get current on their mortgage payments and avoid foreclosure. Eligible homeowners at least 30 days past-due on mortgage and/or property taxes can receive payment assistance for mortgages, utility bills, property taxes, and other charges associated with delinquency.
The KHAF program is administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency, administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.
USDA Invests $255,662 to Rehabilitate Residential and Community Buildings in Rural Kansas
TOPEKA, Dec. 16, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Kansas Christy Davis announced today that USDA is investing $255,662 to improve lives and strengthen communities in southeast Kansas.
“USDA Rural Development knows a strong community is rooted in its people,” Davis said. “Improving the living space of rural homes and community facilities can strengthen our towns and support our rural Kansas character.”
The details of the four Kansas investments are:
A $59,200 grant will help rehabilitate the exterior of the Independence Historical Museum. Located in the historic post office building, the museum celebrates the community’s culture through history, arts, and activities.
A $73,230 grant will be used to continue phase two of the rehabilitation process of two multi-unit housing complexes located in the cities of Uniontown and McCune.
A $50,000 grant will help rehabilitate approximately 20 owner-occupied homes (10 percent low income and 90 percent very-low income) in Coffey County. The projects consist of new roofs, electrical and plumbing upgrades, foundation repairs, heating systems and other general home rehabilitation needs.
A $73,232 grant will help homeowners and landlords make necessary repairs to properties that house low and very low-income rural residents in Allen County.
Background:
These USDA awards are part of a larger national announcement which include projects in 47 states and American Samoa. The four Kansas investments are being made through two programs specifically designed to help people and communities in rural areas. These programs are Housing Preservation Grants, and Community Facilities Disaster Grant Program.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
Program still accepting applications for mortgage, property tax, and utility assistance
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced that six months after its launch, the KansasHomeowners Assistance Fund (KHAF) has distributed $24.8 million in mortgage, property tax, and utility aid to 2,321 Kansas homeowners.
“Housing is vital to a strong workforce and a resilient economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This program is providing much-needed relief for Kansans, and my administration will continue supporting homeowners by cutting property taxes and expanding affordable housing.”
The Kelly Administration granted the funding for the temporary relief initiative distributed by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) to help Kansas homeowners experiencing pandemic-related financial hardship avoid foreclosure and catch up on their mortgages and property taxes. The program assists with mortgage payments, property taxes and charges, utility and internet fees, and more.
“Housing stability is essential for strong families, healthy communities, and a thriving economy,” said Ryan Vincent, Executive Director of Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC).“This assistance keeps families safely housed and preserves the dream of homeownership for Kansans facing hardship.”
Currently, 2,321 KHAF applications have been granted assistance, and additional funds remain to assist homeowners. Kansans who have fallen behind on their mortgage and/or property tax payments are encouraged to apply now.
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
jjjjjjjj• You own your home in Kansas and are at least 30 days past due on mortgage or jjjjjjjjjjjjproperty taxes.
jjjjjjjj• The property (a single-family home, one-to-four-unit dwelling, condo, townhome, or jjjjjjjjjjjjmanufactured home) is your primary residence.
jjjjjjjj• Your household has experienced financial hardship during the COVID pandemic.
Kansans requesting KHAF assistance are encouraged to apply online. If approved, funds are paid directly to the service provider(s), who apply them to the homeowner’s account(s).
More than 200 mortgage loan servicers partner with the KHAF program as participating lenders. The program will remain open until program funds are fully expended. Homeowners are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is processed in a timely manner.
Applicants in need of assistance may call 1-855-307-KHAF(5423) from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.
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The KHAF program is administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency, administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.
