Hamilton County school board members have taken the first step toward initiating a partnership to create affordable housing for district teachers and staff.
The option to lease agreement, which board members approved in a 6-4 vote Thursday, allows Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise and Hamilton County Schools to continue exploring a partnership to build around 76 housing units for employees on district-owned land in the St. Elmo area.
The agreement allows CNE, a nonprofit housing development organization, to begin fundraising and working on the legal aspects of the project, but it does not require the district to sign a final lease agreement, according to board documents.
If the board wanted to move forward with a final agreement, it would require a second vote that gives the district permission to lease the land. CNE would then manage the property and build the units, and it would not require a financial contribution from the district.