(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has approved an agreement clearing the way for a new housing development west of Bruning Park.

Commissioners voted 3–2 Monday evening to approve the agreement with developer Michael Webb. Commissioners Brian Shefferd and Tom Martin cast the dissenting votes.  Shefferd said taxpayers shouldn't have to bear the cost of the project.  

A 650 thousand dollar state grant was awarded last month to help support the project.

Webb plans to invest about 1.7 million dollars in the project, to be called the Villas of Beautiful Maples. The development would include ten duplex units.

Under the agreement, the city’s main financial responsibility would be installing public infrastructure for the project. Those improvements are estimated to cost nearly $886,000. 

Funding for some or all of the infrastructure would come through the Rural Housing Incentive District the city established with the Kansas Department of Commerce last year. 

City Administrator Brad Scott says the city will also assist with utility construction to help keep costs under control.

During public comment, Hiawatha resident Angela Entriken urged commissioners to take a step back and reconsider the agreement, suggesting the funding might be better used to support more affordable housing options or help local landlords rather than backing an out-of-town developer.

Mayor Becky Shamburg noted the development has been discussed for about three years and said she believes it will be a positive addition to the community.

Shefferd said the project imposes a significant burden on taxpayers and is unfair to them. 

Construction on the infrastructure improvements is expected to begin by August third, with the duplex units scheduled for completion by the second quarter of 2027.