HDC MidAtlantic recently closed a multi-property redevelopment to rehabilitate and preserve 208 affordable homes.
“Affordable housing preservation is priority for HDC MidAtlantic. This redevelopment will ensure over 200 households will continue to have a safe, decent affordable place to call home,” said HDC MidAtlantic President & CEO Dana Hanchin. “In a rental market this tight, where wages continue to be stagnant, communities must take steps to preserve every affordable unit to meet the needs of their residents.”
The redevelopment project is comprised of four affordable housing communities:
- Springwood Glen Apartments, Family Property, Middletown, Dauphin County, 58 apartments
- The Apartments at Mulberry Corners, Senior Property, Lancaster, Lancaster County, 25 apartments
- Rockford Chase Apartments, Family Property, Mountville, Lancaster County, 60 apartments
- Wyndamere Apartments, Family Property, York, York County, 65 apartments
While the specific scope of work varies among properties, rehab efforts will focus heavily on interior upgrades and energy efficiency enhancements. Residents will see new doors, windows and hardware, new cabinetry and appliances such as electric ranges and refrigerators, new flooring and paint, and upgraded, energy efficient HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems inside their homes and in community spaces.
Apartments designated for individuals with disabilities will be updated to current ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards and include the installation of new bathroom grab bars and roll-in showers with floor drains, accessible countertops and shelving, as well as new flooring.
Residents will also see upgraded safety features like new and improved lighting, motion sensors, property cameras, as well as installation of new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
On the exteriors, properties will get new roofing, gutters and downspouts installed, repair or replacement of decking materials and railings, and new paint to exterior metal railings. Sidewalks, as well as dumpster pads and surrounds, will be repaired or replaced. Select parking lots will see new ADA van accessible stripping. New lighting and property signage will be installed, and tot lots will see new vinyl surrounds and mulching.
Total cost of property acquisition and renovation is just over $21.6 million. Primary sources of funding include 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credits awarded by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) plus tax-exempt bonds. The equity investor is Cinnaire. Fulton Bank purchased the multi-family tax-exempt bonds issued by the Lancaster County Redevelopment Authority. Additional sources of financing include $600,000 in new CDBG and $950,000 in assumed funds from the Lancaster County Redevelopment Authority, $150,000 in new CDBG funds and $1,074,088 in assumed funds from the York County Planning Commission, $217,575 in assumed funds from the City of Lancaster, and $1,413,750 in recast PennHomes funds from PHFA.
Stevens & Lee and Nikolaus & Hohenadel, LLP, provided legal counsel. Architectural Concepts, P.C., was selected as the architect. Benchmark Construction was selected as the general contractor. Construction began July 30, 2018. HDC MidAtlantic anticipates renovations will take approximately six months.
Every voice matters. At HDC, we are committed to raising up resident voices and opening doors so that residents can actively participate in the democratic process, speak out on issues important to them and their communities, and communicate how policies affect their everyday lives. We believe it is important to make the time and space to listen, and to support resident leaders in effectively using their voices. We support resident advocacy opportunities through our Resident Academy of Leadership & Inspiration, Voter Registration Drives, and holding constituent meetings and tours with elected officials.
Allentown, PA
Fredericksburg, PA
Lancaster, PA
Finding a place to live that meets one’s basic needs and budget can feel like a never-ending challenge. The complexity of lower-income families and individuals extend far beyond simply finding a safe, affordable, and welcoming place to call home. At HDC, we are committed to being an ally in speaking to issues, programs, and policies that improve quality of life of our residents. Issues that we know are important to our residents include:
We know we can’t solve the affordable housing challenge alone. We need champions to help change the conversation around what home means and why it matters. We are committed to educating elected officials to understand the needs and challenges of their constituents. We are here to provide solutions that work and offer affordable housing expertise that demonstrates the impact policy decisions have on lower-income families, seniors and those with disabilities. We work closely with and participate in alliances and coalitions to educate and advance shared policy priorities. Our advocacy partners include:
Wendy Smith serves as the Vice President of Property Management, responsible for the overall strategic direction for HDC’s management portfolio and the organization’s largest staff team. Previously, Wendy served as Asset and Operations Manager for a leading real estate firm based in New York City which owned over 11,000 affordable homes. Since 2008, Wendy has held roles in regional level operations for commercial and for-profit housing agencies. Wendy holds a degree in International Studies.
