CDS MONARCH ANNOUNCES GROUNDBREAKING ON $16 MILLION AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA
Baytown Apartments near the Town’ n Country and Westchase Neighborhoods Will Create 30 Affordable and Energy Efficient 1- and 2-bedroom Units, Including 15 with Supportive Services
WEBSTER, NY – CDS Monarch today announced that construction has begun on Baytown Apartments, an over $16 million affordable housing development near the Town’ n Country and Westchase neighborhoods of Tampa Bay in Hillsborough County, Florida.
CDS Monarch is a mission-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization with over 45 years of experience delivering high-quality supportive services and housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), Veterans, and seniors across Upstate New York.
“Baytown Apartments is an exciting opportunity for CDS Monarch to further our mission of creating safe and nurturing environments for the individuals we serve to achieve their goals to live more independent, fulfilling lives. High-quality, affordable housing is integral to making this happen,” said Andrew Sewnauth, executive director of CDS Monarch.
The project will be completed as a joint venture development between CDS Monarch, the sponsor, and InVictus Development, LLC. Upon completion, Baytown Apartments will consist of a two-story residential building with 30 affordable 1- and 2-bedroom units, 15 of which will be available to individuals with I/DD.
“This development represents not only much-needed affordable housing for the region, as evidenced by the waiting lists on other LIHTC properties in the area, but also a unique opportunity for persons with I/DD to live in a community where they can interact with neurotypical persons,” said Paula Rhodes of InVictus, noting “There are precious few opportunities for persons with I/DD to live among the general population, and both populations will benefit from this integration.”
All 30 apartments will be affordable to households earning at 30 to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Fifteen apartments will be reserved for households in need of supportive services. The services provider is MacDonald Training Center (MTC). They will provide a variety of programs, services, and community partnerships designed to promote independence for individuals with I/DD that leads to full equity in the workplace and community-based residential settings.
“MTC understands that every person is unique, and all seek a sense of belonging, connection and purpose. Baytown is much needed affordable housing, and an unprecedented opportunity for people with disabilities to connect to their community through the casual interactions of daily life. Shared experiences with neighbors, a smile, a conversation may lead to friendships that transform our community into a more welcoming place for all,” said Karenne Levy, President/CEO of MacDonald Training Center.
Baytown Apartments is a new build in a well-established, safe, and stable community. The development site is close to shopping districts, a variety of community amenities, and two freeways that afford travel to employers, service providers, and health care. The two-story complex will be ADA accessible. Six of the apartments will be fully accessible, fully adapted units in compliance with the ADA.
Residential amenities of the project include a community room, fitness area, on-site laundry, and a communal outdoor patio/porch. Each of the individual units will also feature a patio/porch. In addition, on-site property management staff will be available to assist residents should any concerns arise.
Alliant Capital, a Walker & Dunlop company, arranged $11 million in Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity investments for the construction of Baytown Apartments. The Florida Housing Finance Corporation provided funding by allocating affordable housing tax credits and grant funds. Hillsborough County made additional funding possible from the HOPE fund, a special fund for affordable housing building apartments for our most vulnerable populations.
###
