Jefferson could have new rental housing available as early as next fall, depending on how quickly Jefferson city officials move on the project.
An Ames developer has signed a purchase agreement on property near the water tower in the northwest quadrant of Jefferson, with plans to develop apartments and town homes for rent. Moving forward with the project is contingent on the city approving the site plan and providing unnamed incentives.
If the site plan and incentive package are approved by mid-April, the new housing could be ready for occupancy this fall. The number of units depends in part on zoning regulations. The city council recently approved zoning for planned unit developments (PUDs), which offer more flexibility to developers.
Adding to the available housing in Jefferson and the county – for rent and for purchase – has been identified as a high priority to continue economic growth. “Housing is the absolute, most important thing we need. People won’t move here if they can’t find a place to live,” said Greene County Development Corporation executive director Ken Paxton.
He is hopeful that the new development near the water tower will be only the beginning of new housing construction in Jefferson and the surrounding towns.
