SIOUX FALLS (AP) - Nonprofit Glory House has a tentative deal with the city of Sioux Falls to acquire park property to build housing for ex-convicts.
The Argus Leader reported that under a deal reached this month, the city would raze the existing building on the land and divide the property, which was appraised at $675,000, into three pieces. A 43,000-square-foot portion would be donated to the nonprofit while a 9,000-square-foot section would be sold to them for $50,000 because the city wanted something in return for the land.
Mayor Mike Huether and his administrators have resisted the deal, saying it's not in taxpayers' interest to give away city assets.
The deal also states that Glory House can't deviate from its plan to build up a 100-unit apartment complex with neighboring support and counseling services and the city can't hold the deal against them if Glory House ever pursues affordable housing grants from the community development office.
Glory House Executive Director Dave Johnson said the deal allows the organization to fulfill its immediate expansion plans while also providing room for further expansion.
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"We worked pretty long and hard to try and come up with ways to bring everything together - including taxpayers and our clients," he said. "All of us walk away, I think, winners in this."
The deal has yet to be finalized.
