In a town the size of West Liberty, 26 new homes is a big deal. On Thursday, Oct. 8, the community gathered on 8th Street to break ground on the Deepu Chowk Housing Development.
The project is led by local developer Deepak Giri of Giri LLC. According to a story from the Advocate News that Giri LLC republished on its website, the development is expected to have 26 new affordable housing units.
"What we are really doing is planting a seed for a better future in our community," Giri said. "A seed will soon grow into homes, into families, into stronger businesses, schools, and a stronger West Liberty."
A $1 million state boost
The West Liberty City Council approved the preliminary plans in April. In September, the City of West Liberty announced that the city and Giri had been awarded a $1 million Iowa Workforce Housing Tax Credit through the Iowa Economic Development Authority. That's the maximum award under the program.
The city describes the project as a planned residential development of up to 26 single-family homes meant to increase workforce housing in West Liberty.
According to the city, the program provides benefits of up to $1 million per project, including construction-related sales tax refunds and transferable investment tax credits.
"This is tremendous news for West Liberty and a major step forward in addressing workforce housing needs within our community," City Manager Lee Geertz said in the city's announcement. "Housing availability plays a critical role in economic development, business recruitment, and supporting existing employers."
The city credited the successful application to a team effort involving Giri, the local group We Lead, MMS Consultant Engineers, Goerdt Services and city staff.
Who was there
WeLead Executive Director Phil Wiese led the groundbreaking ceremony. He thanked Geertz, members of the city council and local contractors, including Brad Akers and Bruce and Brad Jipp. He also thanked Rep. Bobby Kaufmann and Sen. Kerry Gruenhagen, who wrote letters supporting the project.
No general contractor has been formally named for the development.
"Twenty-six new homes here at Deepu Chowk is going to have a transformational impact on a community our size," Wiese said. "It represents 26 new opportunities for families and other major investments in West Liberty's future."
Mayor Mark Smith talked about Giri and his family, who came to West Liberty 20 years ago. "(Giri and his family) came to the community 20 years ago, bought a filling station, updated it, and then started being involved in all kinds of community causes," Smith said. "Over the past several years, I can't think of a cause that we've had here in West Liberty that Deepak hasn't been a part of."
Council member Dana Dominguez, who has lived in West Liberty all her life, said she has seen friends and family struggle to find homes. "When I ran for office, affordable housing was at the top of my list to try to bring to West Liberty, and we've had a couple of opportunities to do that. I'm really excited about this development," she said.
Gruenhagen said rural communities like West Liberty need projects like this to keep growing. "I want more people to be able to experience communities like West Liberty," he said.
When it was time to turn the first dirt, Giri grabbed a shovel alongside his wife, Amrita, and his son, Adeep.
"Today is a very special day for our family, and I'm truly honored to stand here with all of you as we celebrate the groundbreaking of the Deepu Chowk subdivision," Giri said. "I believe that when people come together, there is no limit to what we can accomplish."
Why it matters for Contractors
Up to 26 single-family homes in a small Iowa town is steady work for local builders, from excavation, foundations and framing to roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and finishes. The Workforce Housing Tax Credit includes construction-related sales tax refunds, which can help on materials costs, so contractors should keep good records of what they buy for the job. The project's engineering and services team, MMS Consultant Engineers and Goerdt Services, is already in place, and local contractors were thanked by name at the groundbreaking. No general contractor has been named publicly, so builders and subs interested in the homes should reach out to Giri LLC directly.