ThisWeek CW 09/26/2013
Developer Todd Valentine is hoping to start construction in mid-October on a 50-unit housing complex for senior citizens.
Groveport City Council approved plans for LW Associates to build the complex earlier this month.
Valentine and City Administrator Marsha Hall said the company still must obtain a few final approvals, but neither sees a potential roadblock to construction.
“We still have final plan review by the city engineer and zoning approval from the zoning department, as well as other approvals such as building permits, etc.,” Valentine said. “The final application with OHFA (Ohio Housing Finance Agency) is still under review as well. I’m shooting for a mid-October construction start.”
Valentine said the company received $869,825 in federal LIHTC credits as a part of an OHFA program aimed at increasing the number of subsidized senior housing options in Ohio.
The development will be built on land just east of Hendron Road, near state Route 317. It will include cottage-style units of about 1,000 square feet, with attached garages; a shelter house; a community building; and a dog park.
According to Valentine, the project is designed with walking in mind. Plans call for sidewalks along all roadways with less than a 5-percent slope, and there are other universal design features aimed at presenting the least number of hurdles for seniors living on their own.
“This development is for people 55 years and older,” he said. “Because of the housing credits we’re looking for, we’ll have to maintain an income range, so a single-family household can’t make more than, say, $30,000 a year, but they will have to be able to meet the rent we’re proposing.”
Rents are projected to be in the range of $515 to $580 a month, which will include water, sewer and trash pickup.
“We plan to build the whole development at once and make the units available for rent by next fall,” Valentine said.
LW Associates, based in Ashville, is building a similar development in Grove City.