City council gave Station 20 West three years to raise the money required for construction, two more years than project officials asked for at Wednesday's council meeting.
Station 20 West's request for another year to find the money it needs before receiving a city building permit marked the third time it went before council to ask for an extension.
"We're very pleased to hear the overwhelming support from council for Station 20 West," said project co-chair Shelia Pocha, who was the vice-principal of the elementary school Huy Dang went to at the time, W.P. Bate Community School.
The project deserves a chance to succeed, said Mayor Don Atchison, who put forward the amendment that added two years to Station 20 West's deadline.
"My personal bias is that we give you a three-year extension," Atchison said. "You've had to come back before... and I'd like to send a strong message that council is behind you."
But Station 20 West might not need three years, according to Ms. Pocha. She said the project's board has been in discussions with an unidentified donor to provide enough funding to start construction in May 2011. If the deadline isn't met and Station 20 West doesn't get its building permit, the city has the option to buy back the land.
Station 20 West's developers plan to include a grocery store, social and health services and other community organizations in its Avenue L South location.
"Housing is one thing," said Councillor Charlie Clark, "but a project that brings all sorts of supports together is necessary."
City council gave Station 20 West three years to raise the money required for construction, two more years than project officials asked for at Wednesday's council meeting.
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