County land to be sold in support of affordable housing development in Bend

Deschutes County will sell 7.12 acres of County-owned land on the west side of Bend to support the development of a 110-home affordable housing units that will include a combination of multi-family and single family homes.

The County has signed a Notice of Intent to Award a purchase and sale agreement to sell the property on Simpson Avenue for $1.3 million to Kôr Community Land Trust and Housing Works.

“This project represented a fantastic opportunity to provide desperately needed affordable housing,” said Commissioner Patti Adair.

The proposed development will support the construction of 80 multi-family units (including 12 townhomes) that will be made available as rentals for households earning below 60% area median income and 30 cottages that will be available for sale for households earning between 60 - 80% area median income.

“The proposed development balances providing affordable housing with the natural feel of the surrounding neighborhood,” said Commissioner Tony DeBone.

The County requested proposals for the project, and the Kôr Community Land Trust and Housing Works proposal earned the highest score. The County received five proposals for proposed development of the parcel.

“The sale of this property is just one of many steps we are taking to create affordable housing in our community,” said Commissioner Phil Chang. “Selling this property for substantially less than the appraised value demonstrates our commitment to expand housing opportunities for all members of our community.”