Breaking Ground

New project to enhance affordable housing

YORK -- Affordable housing is an important component of economic development, says Governor Dave Heineman.

"Efforts and partnerships such as this help keep York and other community strong and viable," the governor said while standing near the site where the Yorktowne Estates townhouse project will be built.

Dozens of people gathered on the eastern edge of the city yesterday afternoon, to break ground and celebrate that a new housing project will be built. The end result will be affordable senior rental townhomes at Ninth and Wisconsin Avenue.

The development was created through a public/private partnership between the City of York, the York County Development Corporation (YCDC), Midwest Housing Initiatives Inc., Excel Development Group, Midwest Housing Equity Group, the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), FHLBank of Topeka and Horizon Bank.

"Providing an opportunity for older residents to be part of their community and remain close to friends, family and a familiar environment is important and this new development will provide several York residents with that opportunity while also fulfilling the need for more affordable housing in our rural areas," stated Gov. Heineman.

The Yorktowne Estates project will consist of 18 units (nine duplexes). Sixteen units will be two-bedroom (1,004 square feet) and two units will be three-bedroom $1,246 square feet). Each unit will have its own attached single-stall garage, washer and dryer, range, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher. All units will be visitable and adaptable for the frail elderly and persons with disabilities. Given the possibility that some of the senior residents may have children, grandchildren and an in-home caregiver, the three-bedroom units will be an asset to this development. There will also be a club house.

Yorktowne Estates will be available to all income-qualified seniors 55 years of age and older who are either living in substandard housing, looking for more of a home-like atmosphere or struggling to maintain their home. Rents will range from $410-$430 per month for the two-bedroom units and $525 per month for the three-bedroom units. Snow removal, lawn care, water, sewer and trash removal are included in the monthly rent.

"York is a progressive and innovative city, and we welcome quality housing developments that fit the needs of our residents," says York Mayor Chuck Harris. "Yorktowne Estates will provide additional affordable housing choices for seniors within the community. We are grateful for this project -- it also opens up a wide variety of housing opportunities within the city for younger families as well."

Mayor Harris said the Excel development group "has been very cooperative and professional throughout this process, and we look forward to working with them through to the completion of this project."

Gov. Heineman agreed.

"This is an important project, and I congratulate all who are involved in providing seniors with affordable housing. This represents a significant step forward, it's an opportunity for older residents to be and remain part of the community by staying close to their neighbors and families," Heineman said. "It is important that we provide more affordable housing in this state.

"One thing I admire the most is our ability to work together," Heineman said, noting the many different entities involved. "We are lucky that in Nebraska we don't have any mountains, oceans or beaches -- because we don't need them, we have you, the people, which is our greatest asset. It takes a team effort to keep a community moving forward, and York is a very forward community."

Letters from Senator Chuck Hagel, Senator Ben Nelson and State Senator Greg Adams were read to the crowd, as the three of them were unable to attend.

"Providing housing options, for those who need it, is of the upmost importance in this nation," Hagel said.

Nelson wrote, "The work of the different groups involved has created a tremendous housing opportunity."

"York has never been a town to sit back and wait," said Adams. "This is a place that wants to grow."

"What a difference 10 years makes," said Richard Baier, director of the DED, referring to his past experience as director of the YCDC. He reminded the crowd that only a decade ago, a number of housing subdivisions were being created P those are all nearly filled today.

"About six months ago, I toured your housing areas, and you've done a great job," Baier said. "This will be a first class development. In Auburn, this has already taken place -- and we've seen people retiring and moving to the townhouses. That will open up housing for your workforce, which is very important P something we are working to accomplish throughout the state."

"On behalf of the Excel Development Group, I want to thank all of our housing partners, including the city and the YCDC, for their assistance throughout the planning and predevelopment of this project," said Jan Thayer, chairman and CEO of Excel. "York has all of the qualities we like to see in a community for developing a project. Because of this partnership, we will be able to maximize the attractiveness and quality of the design of these units, while offering affordable rents for seniors living on a fixed income.

"This will be a wonderful example of how a proactive community can play a vital role in affordable housing," Thayer said further. "It will be a wonderful addition to a vibrant and progressive community, and we're confident we'll receive a tremendous response."

Site preparation has been started and construction is expected to begin next month, with a completion date estimated to be in January, 2008.

Source: York News Times