The South Side could get its first taste of new affordable housing since a state program began more than 20 years ago.

Two Kansas City developers have proposed low- to moderate-income housing projects at different locations off King Hill Avenue.

Both seek a letter of support from the City Council by Sept. 3 for their competitive applications to the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC). The MHDC typically announces which projects it will fund near the end of the year.

Such projects have not been without controversy, including the sometimes high costs to state and federal governments and neighborhood concerns with the housing mix. Those concerns can be offset by the benefits of new development and quality affordable housing.

“I’m very pro-infill housing,” said Councilman Mike Bozarth, who represents the South Side. “There’s been a trend to take housing out east, and that has come at the cost of our older neighborhoods, particularly the South Side.”

Mr. Bozarth has not yet decided whether to support either project, as he hopes to hear from residents in each neighborhood.

The first proposal would build 19 new single-family homes at the site of the former McKinley Elementary School, bounded by Kansas, Barbara, Miami and Clayton streets. The other project would build 47 rental units on vacant land west of Kovac’s Plaza, near Phillip and Sherman streets.

The Fulson Group, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., would develop and manage the McKinley houses in cooperation with Community Housing Ministries, of St. Joseph.

Tenants could purchase the houses 15 years after the project is completed. Matt Fulson, who owns the Fulson Group, said he’s trying to make the development fit the surrounding community by offering single-family homes.

“To use a piece of ground in a solely residential area and put in multi-family (apartments) doesn’t make a lot of sense,” Mr. Fulson said. “We’re responding to a need for affordable housing in south St. Joseph and going about it in the right way.”

Neighbors had been concerned about previous developer Mike Macey’s plans for the land, but Mr. Fulson said the two are completely different. Mr. Fulson said his development would be diligent about who rents the houses and how they’re maintained.

This project would be the first time the state and federal low-income tax credits are used for new houses in St. Joseph.

“It’s encouraging to see that type of development for that area,” said Gerald McCush, who oversees city housing programs. “I’m not going to support one project or the other, but the (Fulson development) does lead to homeownership. I think it’ll help stabilize that neighborhood.”

The 19 homes, plus another home that would be used as an on-site office, would cost a total of $3.6 million. That averages to about $190,000 per house — about half as much as some downtown MHDC projects, such as the San Regis Apartments.

The city has already pledged $250,000 in its federal HOME funds towards the Fulson project.

The other project near Kovac’s Plaza would be developed by Townsend Inc., of Overland Park, Kan. It calls for 47 units in the first phase and possibly another 30 units later.

Townsend Inc. didn’t return a phone call Friday seeking comment.

The city has a few concerns with the site, including storm drainage and sewers. It also would need to be rezoned for residential use, said City Planner Mike Kellam.

The site previously had been proposed for use as a mobile home park by Jarrett Archdekin of Earthworks, but that plan was dropped due to neighborhood opposition.

Joe Blumberg can be reached

at joeblumberg@npgco.com.

The next step

n The Fulson Group and Community Housing Ministries will hold a public meeting Wednesday to discuss the proposed housing development for the former McKinley Elementary School site.

n Fulson would build 19 houses on the property if the state of Missouri approves low-income housing tax credits later this year. The property is bounded by Kansas, Miami, Clayton and Barbara streets.

n The neighborhood meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the St. James Parish Center, 5815 Pryor St. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.