Lewistown housing project appears to lean on Missoula affiliate

An affordable housing project in Lewistown appears to be relying on a Missoula Housing Authority affiliate for help with construction management and development, despite executive director Peter Hance's insistence to the contrary.

Hance and the affiliate, called Garden City Neighbors, have recently come under fire from some Housing Authority board members and city officials. They want Hance to clearly explain the operations of his agency and its affiliates, including Garden City.

The Housing Authority provides much of the financial support for Garden City Neighbors - including a $1.4 million loan, and Hance and his deputy run the nonprofit. But the Housing Authority board has no control over the entity, according to Hance.

By KEILA SZPALLER of the Missoulian
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