Hello, and thanks for taking the time to read this email to you. My name is Bob Mitchell, and I am the owner/developer of a project I am attempting to do on East University Ave and 20th St. I have been attempting to get help with funding for a somewhat long period of time through the city. The project is 18 single family homes with one bedroom and one bathroom. The property is zoned for up to 31 units multi family, but I wanted to provide what I think is the kind of rental needed most for those in need. 

I have been doing affordable home rentals in East Gainesville for approximately 30 years. (Mitchell Realty). I was asked by your staff to reach out to you once again. The City made a motion, and it was passed, that you help with funding to the amount of $405,000, pending staff approval. Staff declined and no funding was awarded. Next staff contacted me and offered assistance with a signed letter, and then subsequently took away. 

Because funding is awarded to projects with certain amenities, my project could not get any points to qualify for funding. And now I am asked by staff to request funding again so that the project can move forward under affordable rental housing guidelines. Unfortunately, the project cannot move forward with the rent limitations required for affordable rent limits, but it has always been my hopes that it could. 

I had to install water and sewer lines on the property, gas lines, fire hydrant, etc, at a cost of $550,000. And then install a road from E University ave to NE 3rd Ave. All this coupled with the high cost of construction makes it cost prohibitive. 

There is nothing I would like more than to have the units available to those who need housing the most. With your help, I am willing to make that happen.

Respectfully