A million down, $9 million to go.
An affordable housing project in Edina for homeless youth landed more than $1 million in local funding this week, a show of financial support that's expected to pave the way for state and private funding to reach the development's $10 million price tag.
Hennepin County pledged $500,000 to the 66 West development, which will transform a TCF Bank building across from Southdale into 39 studio apartments for teens and young people who have been homeless.
And the city of Edina kicked in $550,000 on a unanimous vote of the City Council. Before the vote, Edina Mayor James Hovland praised the community for strongly supporting the project.
"Some people may not expect this of Edina," he said. "But the breadth of support throughout our community for this project was just astounding."
The local funding is a crucial element in securing state and private dollars to finish the development, said Anne Mavity, director of new projects for Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, the developer of 66 West.
"The state looks to make sure the local community is supportive of these projects," she said. "This community in Edina, from the congregations and the individual residents to the leaders on the City Council, have really stepped up and embraced 66 West and addressing the issue of suburban homelessness and youth homelessness."
Mavity said the project will apply for state housing funds in June, with a decision expected in October. Beacon is also raising funds from private donors for the project.
John Reinan • 612-673-7402
