A proposed Clarinda housing project is advancing through the city review process

A proposed Clarinda housing project is advancing through the city review process.

The Rogers Subdivision would be located on Garfield Street between 21st and 22nd streets. The development would add six houses on a city block where two homes currently stand.

McQueen said one property may be custom-built for an interested buyer. The remaining homes are expected to be workforce housing similar to projects previously supported by the Clarinda Economic Development Corporation.

The developers are applying for state workforce housing tax credits and have received preliminary support from the city.

The proposal has been reviewed by local zoning officials, with some variances approved to address setbacks and other issues associated with developing property in an older part of the community.

The final plat will eventually return to the Clarinda City Council for approval.

Developers expect to learn in September whether they will receive the requested workforce housing tax credits. Construction could begin soon afterward if the application is successful and the remaining approvals are completed.

McQueen said the tax credits are highly competitive, particularly because larger developers often have employees dedicated to preparing applications.

However, a portion of the funding is reserved for rural communities with populations of 15,000 or fewer. McQueen said the project’s emphasis on owner-occupied, single-family homes could also strengthen its application.