Housing study presentation rescheduled, Marshfield’s housing deficit
By Hub City Times staff
MARSHFIELD – The city of Marshfield Development Services Department has rescheduled the housing study presentation, originally planned for Feb. 20. The findings will now be presented Feb. 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the 2nd Street Community Center, Drendel Room, 211 E. 2nd St., Marshfield.
The Housing Study Update was recommended by the Marshfield Economic Development Board, and approved by the Marshfield Common Council. City leaders consider housing to be a key component for economic development in the community; therefore, determining the current inventory, land availability, and trends are considered vital to Marshfield’s growth. The study helps identify any gaps in the inventory, so needs can be addressed.
The last study was completed in 2014 and showed a need for new higher-end multifamily developments. Since 2013, the city has approved 456 new multifamily dwelling units and 71 single- family and 26 duplex building permits.
The last residential subdivision approved by the city was in 2008. As of the summer of 2018, there were only 45 single family residential subdivision lots in Marshfield with street and utility access available; other available lots are either infill, not subdivided, or substandard.
There is also a shortage of homes for sale, as reflected on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), with an identified need for homes below $200,000 and above $250,000.
The city has expressed a need for more buildable residential lots, but expanding infrastructure to serve those lots are cost prohibitive. At the current development pace, Marshfield will run out of desirable and available single- family residential lots in three years.
MSA Professional Services, the same company that completed the 2014 study, was hired to update the study and will present their findings on Feb. 27 at the 2nd Street Community Center.
With gaps in the housing inventory and housing market, the housing study identifies opportunities for new residential growth and includes a strategic plan component that details implementation efforts the city can use to help fill gaps in both inventory and market. The draft update also includes a review of existing conditions, demographic information, housing data, and housing trends.
