The Jefferson City Council recently heard an update on a large-scale housing project from the developer.

Karie Ramsey is the CEO of Kading Properties, and she said on Tuesday that there could be anywhere from 170-200 rental units included in their project in the Greene County Development Corporation East Business Park on Gallup Road near Highway 30. She pointed out Kading is in 26 communities and they are looking to build market rate units that are tailored to meet an individual or a family’s paycheck. 

Jefferson City Administrator Scott Peterson tells Raccoon Valley Radio the developer has already done a lot of leg work before finalizing any designs.

“The Kading company has been here to speak with our employers (and) talk about the housing needs then with what our employees would really need and would really cater a project to address a lot of those needs.”   

Ramsey noted at the City Council meeting that they have spoken with local employers including Wild Rose Casino and Resort, American Athletic Incorporated/Spaulding, Scranton Manufacturing and Greene County Medical Center, among others. Ramsey said Kading specializes in workforce housing tax credits as well. 

GCDC Executive Director Ken Paxton believes if it wasn’t for them offering 27 acres for free and another recognition on behalf of the city of Jefferson, which made this project more palatable for Kading.

“Well I think I can say almost for sure that I don’t know if Kading would’ve committed to our project 100-percent until they found out we were awarded the (Iowa) Thriving Community designation. I know how critical that is because the size of that project the workforce housing tax credits are going to be significant.”  

Peterson adds the city continues to work with Kading on other details such as creating an access road from Gullop and possibly extending infrastructure to the site.