(KNZA)--Plans for a new housing development in Hiawatha are moving forward following action by the City Commission Monday night.

Commissioners approved an amended and restated agreement with the developer for the Villas of Beautiful Maples project. They also approved a resolution setting a public hearing for July 27th. That hearing will consider creation of a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District, or RHID, designed to help fund public infrastructure improvements for the development planned west of Bruning Park.

Both measures passed on 3–2 votes, with Commissioners Brian Shefferd and Tom Martin casting the dissenting votes. Shefferd said he opposes the proposed 25-year RHID term, saying he would prefer a 10-year incentive period instead. He also estimated the plan could cost taxpayers around 1.1 million dollars.

Under the agreement, the city would be responsible for installing water and sewer lines for the project. The developer would handle construction of a street, stormwater improvements, and a sidewalk.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Hiawatha resident and former City Commissioner Toni Hull raised concerns, saying the project could pull city crews away from other duties and that taxpayers would ultimately be the primary financial supporters through property taxes.

If the RHID is approved after the public hearing, infrastructure work on the project is to begin by August 3rd.