The Columbia Housing Authority plan to build townhomes along McBaine Avenue has hit a snag after the lowest bid for the project came in $85,000 over budget.

Rob Campbell of Wallace Architects gave a presentation last night to the housing authority board of commissioners, providing an update on the design and cost for the five one-story units - two two-bedroom and three three-bedroom homes.

Several commissioners became concerned while viewing a sheet listing the five project bids, all exceeding the $580,885 construction budget. The lowest bids from Infinity Contractor LLC came in between $640,000 and $650,000.

Housing authority CEO Phil Steinhaus explained that the rising cost of fuel had resulted in 20 percent jump in production and transportation costs for building materials.

Commissioner Mary Anne McCollum questioned the use of copper plumbing, saying it seemed "a bit pricey."

Campbell said copper plumbing is standard, although a synthetic tubing material is sometimes substituted.

Steinhaus said he and Campbell brainstormed ideas for cutting costs, such as changing materials or not building garages. Some architects advised Steinhaus that the specialized cabinetry, showers and wall reinforcements to accommodate wheelchair users also drove up the cost.

Steinhaus, however, said he is reluctant to change the plans much.

"We’ve tried to plan nice, affordable, energy-efficient homes that are accessible and make an improvement to the neighborhood," he said.

"We don’t want to take out what we originally thought was important."

Former Commissioner Fred Parry said he would work to get donations from vendors in the construction business to keep the McBaine project on budget.

"This is our best shot at showing the rest of the community that affordable housing is not a bad thing," Parry said today. "People that live there are good, honest, hardworking people that make good neighbors. I think we would set ourselves back 20 years if we drop the ball on this one."

The CHA can accept material and cash donations in exchange for Affordable Housing Assistance Program tax credits, Steinhaus said.

If donations are not secured, any changes to the design would require the project be rebid, a five-week process, Steinhaus said. That would most likely require the CHA to seek an extension of the deadline set by the Missouri Housing Development Commission, a funding source.

CHA Commissioner Genie Rogers said there is a sense of urgency to move the project along, especially because it has been delayed in the past.

"If Fred can get it going, that would be wonderful," Rogers said of Parry. "But there is a point when we have to say that we can’t spend any more of our resources. You’ve got two weeks for Fred to come through with the money, then we need to throw it back out to bid."

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