Heartland Corporation plans affordable housing development in Hays with RHID support

The Ellis County Commission meeting held on April 15, 2025, focused on discussions surrounding housing development and infrastructure in Hays, Kansas. The primary agenda item revolved around the proposed development by Heartland Corporation, which aims to address the shortage of affordable housing in the area.

During the meeting, a representative from Heartland Corporation outlined the challenges faced in building homes within the county. The discussion highlighted that the cost of homes has increased due to rising lot fees, which have limited the price range for new constructions to between $2.25 and $2.35 million. The representative emphasized that the use of a Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID) is crucial for making homes more affordable, as it allows for the construction of lower-cost housing without additional special assessments.

The representative noted that historically, Hays has seen few homes priced below $200,000 to $300,000, with the recent development east of NCK Tech being a notable exception. The current lack of available lots for new homes was also addressed, with the representative indicating that the only other significant development is planned near the new fire station, which is expected to feature homes priced at $400,000 or more.

Infrastructure concerns were also discussed, particularly regarding water supply and sewage management. The development will rely on water wells rather than municipal water lines, and a lift station will need to be constructed to manage sewage, with costs potentially exceeding $250,000. The representative assured the commission that the existing road infrastructure would not incur additional costs to the county, as maintenance is already in place.

The proposed development will consist of 15 lots, with one designated for water retention and another sold to a neighboring property owner. The remaining 13 lots are intended for new home construction. The representative concluded by stating that the success of the project hinges on the approval of the RHID, which is essential for moving forward.

The meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to enhance housing availability in Ellis County, while also addressing the financial and logistical challenges that accompany such developments. The commission's consideration of the RHID will be a critical step in determining the future of affordable housing in the region.