(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has taken another step toward a new housing development on the city's west side.

On a 3-2 vote Monday night, commissioners approved an ordinance establishing a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District for the proposed Villas of Beautiful Maples development west of Bruning Park. The project calls for 10 duplex units. Commissioners Brian Shefferd and Tom Martin voted against the measure.

The action followed a public hearing that drew no opposition. The housing incentive district will allow the developer to be reimbursed for eligible infrastructure costs, including street, sidewalk and stormwater improvements.

The ordinance is now subject to a 30-day protest period. If either the Brown County Commission or the Hiawatha School Board adopts a resolution opposing the district, the city would be required to repeal the ordinance.

In other business, the commission approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance of $1.64 million in general obligation bonds to help pay for improvements to the city's north sewer lift station. The project is designed to improve wastewater handling and reduce wet-weather sewer overflows as the city works to meet the requirements of a Kansas Department of Health and Environment consent order.

Commissioners also approved the removal and replacement of the deteriorating intersection at South Morrill Avenue and Longfellow Street near the middle school. J and B Contractors is expected to complete the nearly $32,000 project before the start of school.