The Rugby Area Job Development Authority recommended a five-year 100 percent property tax abatement as requested by Johnson.

The decision came at the JDA’s July 22 meeting and now will come before the city council for consideration at its Aug. 3 meeting, said Brenda Foster, JDA executive director.

The question of whether Johnson’s planned complex will be in direct competition with other housing units was brought up, but Foster said the porposed units are quite different, and the board agreed.

The City Planning and Zoning Committee earlier this month approved a zoning request filed by Harley Johnson, Killarney, Manitoba, for four lots in Prairieview Estates, owned by resident Gary Laughridge, to be changed from Residential 1 to Residential 2.

The change in classification allows building on the lots to be multi-family dwellings instead of single family. Johnson is reportedly going to construct a 14-unit housing complex on the lots located on the east edge of Rugby. The homes will be one-level and tailored toward senior citizens. Johnson has built similar units in Bottineau and Killarney. Final approval of any zoning change must come from the city council.

Planning and zoning recommends change