Council backs loan to developer

(RECAP: A high-profile redevelopment project considered key to upgrading the city’s Interstate 95 gateway took a step forward last week as a divided City Council voted to apply for a federal loan on behalf of the developer. Michelle B. Peters, the city’s director of planning, asked council for permission to file an application for a loan of up to $2 million from HUD to help support C.A. Harrison Cos. LLC’s redevelopment of the former Ramada Inn at 380 E. Washington St. Peters explained that the loan under HUD’s Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program would leverage the city’s Community Development Block Grant to help finance the planned $20 million-$25 million project. The developer would repay the loan, which would not cost the city any money.)