TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A new space for affordable downtown housing in Terre Haute got a step ahead after a city council vote Thursday.
The old YMCA building at 6th and Walnut Streets will become a 34 unit housing complex owned by the Wisconsin-based Commonwealth Companies.
Thursday was the second city council meeting that the group asked the council for a multi-year tax abatement.
In a close vote of 5 to 4, it was approved.
City council president George Azar was one of the council members to vote “no” on the 9-year tax abatement. He says he just hoped to see something other than affordable housing go in that area.
“We have a lot of housing downtown now, I was hoping maybe an office or a hotel, who knows. You know, I’m not a contractor but i was hoping for something other than affordable housing, “Azar said.
Despite the vote, Azar says he is looking forward to seeing downtown development. The project is considered an economic revitalization area considering the now deteriorating building.
