Galesburg is considering the use of a housing study that would inform community leaders of the city’s needs and gaps, and potential solutions to help fill the voids.
City administration recommends the City Council approve a proposal submitted by Novagradac in the amount of $52,500 to complete a Housing Needs Assessment Study. The Council will consider the proposal at the Monday, July 2, meeting in City Hall. The meeting starts at 6 p.m.
Acting City Manager and Director of Community Development Steve Gugilotta tells WGIL the Housing Study will provide an analysis of current demographic, economic, and housing market conditions, as well as a housing supply and demand forecast.
He said the study is intended to be used as a guide to both educate and motivate community leaders and stakeholders by providing a basis for formulating community-specific housing priorities, policy alternatives and strategies, including land use and zoning decisions, and the most appropriate allocation of resources available from city, state or federal sources.
“The study is intended to inform about where real housing needs/gaps are and suggest how to fill the voids,” Gugliotta said.
Strategic plan targets low, middle and higher-income housing
At the Feb. 21, 2022, City Council meeting, a resolution containing a Strategic Plan and Mission Statement was passed. As part of the Strategic Plan, the Community Development Department was tasked with establishing a target for the development of additional low, middle, and higher-income housing.
“We want to grow our population,” Galesburg Mayor Peter Schwartzman said. “Having adequate housing is essential to this effort. We have heard for years that there is not enough new construction to attract certain demographics, who end up choosing other communities to live in.
“We also must ensure that there is safe, comfortable and affordable housing for all our residents. The proposed study will clarify where the city can best focus its efforts. It will also be a valuable document for real estate companies who may desire investing in Galesburg.”
Schwartzman said the city’s strategic plan includes increasing home ownership in the community in the near future. He notes one key way to do this is to determine first what price points for new construction will allow for greater ownership opportunities.
Asked if adequate housing is an issue in Galesburg, the mayor said, “Yes, there are challenges for many based on anecdotal information. I know some professionals have a very hard time finding desirable housing.
“I also know that well-maintained rental properties can be hard to find at times. Our city has a diverse pool of needs, economically speaking. Many times needs and availability are mismatched.”
According to Schwartzman, the proposed study would provide information regarding the city’s housing stock, its residents’ needs, and the trends in housing markets.
“This study should clarify if new apartments downtown, or elsewhere, make sense, and at what price points, and what types of new single-family dwellings are most advantageous as well to ensure the city is meeting the needs of current and future residents,” Schwartzman said.
Novogradac has provided a 9-month timeline for completion of the study.
Gugilotta said he’s not aware of any substantive housing study ever being done in Galesburg.
