The Port Prevails: Senior Housing Development to Move Forward with BHCC Support

kepticism did not stymie the Port’s plans at the January 3rd Bond Hill Community Council (BHCC) Meeting. Despite a mixed reception in the proceeding months, ultimately most BHCC members voted to support the Port / PennRose plan to build a three-story affordable senior building on Reading Road.

(1) The BHCC voted to send a letter of support with the Port Authority’s application for the sale of tax credits that will ultimately subsidize the project. The AYEs carried the vote, 10:4.

(2) The BHCC voted to amend the Bond Hill + Roselawn Plan to include language specifically supporting “affordable housing”. The AYEs carried the vote, 10:2.

The development will be open to a senior population whose average income is $32,000 for a single householder. Importantly, the residents will not be means tested, meaning those who have sold homes and have other assets will remain eligible. The building is open to adults 55+ only. Vouchers, including Section 8, will not be accepted. Residents will pay 30% of their income as rent. Given the community’s aging population and large number of senior citizens, The Port and PennRose presented the building as an important option for Bond Hill residents who may choose to rent after downsizing.

Residents in opposition variously pointed out that Bond Hill Community Council has not articulated a desire to include affordable housing as a priority and that, to the contrary, much work had been done to raise the average household income and the percentage of homeowners in the neighborhood.

CHCURC OFFERS AN EXAMPLE

While the Michael Golden, Robert Sanders and Taylor Gruenwald of The Port fleshed out the plan in more detail, the president of the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation, Mike Cappel spoke about his community’s experience with a similar project. As I reported previously, Marlowe Court has 122 senior residences and a first floor bank and an outpost of YEP Fitness yet to come. They also hope to recruit a sandwich shop to the location. Mr. Cappel reports that they have a waiting list of 1,000 prospective residents, underlining the affordable housing crisis in the city.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

While continuing the facade improvement currently underweigh, The Port and Penn Rose will be applying for funding to complete the senior housing project. January’s vote represents the start of a process, not its end.

Your Input REMAINS Critical.

Ultimately, a key project in a community of some 7,000 Bond Hill residents was decided by a total of 14 voters. If you wish to have a say in our community’s future, please stay informed and come out and vote.