Lawrence Affordable Housing Advisory Board Summary
Week of March 12, 2026
Developer requests unit reduction for 9 Del Lofts II project
Board rebukes developer over transparency and application process
Board approves loft amendment but demands $46,551 refund
Bert Nash steps away from supportive housing development
Board recommends reclaiming $558,000 from Bert Nash
Housing authority explores rescue of supportive housing property
Developer requests unit reduction for 9 Del Lofts II project
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Flint Hills Holding Group formally requested an amendment to its Affordable Housing Trust Fund agreement, seeking to reduce the number of guaranteed affordable units at its 9 Del Lofts II development from 29 to 26. Tony Krsnich, developer for Flint Hills Holding Group, said the change would allow more market-rate units to bolster the project's long-term financial stability, adding that the proposed market rates would remain close to affordable thresholds. The project previously secured a $450,000 trust fund subsidy based on the original 29-unit proposal.
Board rebukes developer over transparency and application process
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The request to amend the 9 Del Lofts II funding agreement sparked intense debate Thursday, with Affordable Housing Advisory Board members criticizing the developer for a lack of transparency. Chair Christina Gentry and board member Mariel Ferreiro expressed frustration over "cut and paste" elements from prior applications and the failure to disclose the unit reduction earlier in the funding process. "We are stewards of those tax funds," Ferreiro said, emphasizing the need for rigorous, honest application procedures to maintain public trust when allocating taxpayer dollars.
Board approves loft amendment but demands $46,551 refund
LAWRENCE, Kan. — In a split decision, the Affordable Housing Advisory Board rejected a straightforward approval of the 9 Del Lofts II unit reduction, opting instead to demand a proportional refund from the developer. After an initial motion to approve the amendment failed 3-2, the board voted to recommend approving the amendment with a financial obligation for Flint Hills Holding Group to return $46,551 to the city. The amount represents the per-unit trust fund subsidy of roughly $15,500 for the three eliminated affordable units, ensuring taxpayer funds align with the final project deliverables.
Bert Nash steps away from supportive housing development
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Bert Nash Community Health Center officially withdrew from a proposed permanent supportive housing project, citing severe financial hurdles. Governing board chair Matthew Herbert said the agency has faced extreme financial difficulties over the past nine months, including the loss of its chief executive officer, Patrick Schmitz. The project, intended to provide 22 to 24 units for individuals needing mental health and housing support, has been indefinitely canceled.
Board recommends reclaiming $558,000 from Bert Nash
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Following the project's cancellation, the Affordable Housing Advisory Board voted 4-1 to recommend the Lawrence City Commission exercise its clawback option to recoup $558,000 in Affordable Housing Trust Funds previously awarded to the Bert Nash Community Health Center. Board member Mark Buhler opposed the immediate clawback, suggesting the funds could remain attached to the property if a new partner is found quickly, but the majority agreed that recovering the funds is the most responsible fiduciary action. Administrative details of the repayment plan will be negotiated by city staff.
Housing authority explores rescue of supportive housing property
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Despite the Bert Nash Community Health Center's withdrawal from the supportive housing development, the project may still have a future. Governing board chair Matthew Herbert said preliminary discussions are underway with the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority to potentially take over the $1.6 million property. While no formal commitments have been made, officials said they hope the housing authority can fulfill the original intent of the project utilizing the site's completed environmental reviews and architectural groundwork.
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