WDC’s Chris Schilken has plan to address Watertown’s housing shortage  (Audio)

Feburary 1, 2021
Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–It was framed at Monday night’s Watertown City Council meeting as a, “conversation starter,” but one that is sure to gain the attention of local realtors and contractors.

Watertown Development Company (WDC) Executive Director Chris Schilken says when it comes to housing inventory in the city, there’s a severe shortage…

They would do that by looking for equal parts funding from the city and Watertown Municipal Utilities (WMU) in the form of loans that would allow them to buy the lots on which to build….

Schilken says his best guess is that the WDC would need about $450,000 each from the city and WMU to get the program kick-started.

Councilman Don Roby says there’s no denying a housing shortage exists in Watertown…

Councilman Michael Heuer says while he likes the idea, he’s concerned the homes that will be built won’t be affordably priced starter homes that are also in demand.

No formal action was taken Monday night. Schilken says he’ll be back soon to present a formal proposal which the city council can vote on.