Tax credits approved for housing project
The tax credits for the planned $12.5 million redevelopment plan for the former Lemon Wood Acres have been approved, essentially giving the green light to the developer to proceed with the project, the Fayette County Housing Authority heard Thursday. Executive Director Thomas Harkless informed the board that approval of the $8,824,000 in tax credits is the “last part of the package.” Construction of the project, which will include 56 new apartment public housing homes and a community/management building, should begin in September, Harkless said.
Plans are to construct 13 one-bedroom units, three two-bedroom units, 17 three-bedroom units and four four-bedroom units.
Two members of the Laurel Highlands School Board who were in attendance at the meeting expressed concerns about the project, which will be constructed near the Laurel Highlands High School. Jim Tobal said since the project is moving ahead, the board will work with the developer.
Bill Elias said he was disappointed in the decision to rebuild a housing development on a site where numerous crimes, including murders, occurred. “We’re concerned about housing that close to the school. We were glad when (Lemon Wood Acres) did come down,” Elias said.
Elias said once the housing is built, it will create the same type of problem. Board member Beverly Beal, also a member of the school board, said she is against building Laurel Estates. “A lot of people are upset we’re going to rebuild,” Beal said.
Elias said they want another access road, and they want to make the area safe.
Board member James V. Bitonti said he was not aware there were safety concerns, but vowed to do what he can to alleviate any safety issues, such as installing a fence.
Bitonti, the mayor of Belle Vernon, said there is a housing development near the high school in Belle Vernon, and the authority is hoping to get “good clientele in there.”
Chairwoman Angela M. Zimmerlink pointed out that the homes near the Belle Vernon school are not public housing.
Bitonti said he will press the developer to address safety issues and urged the school board to make a list of concerns. He said building would add a tax base to the school district.
Zimmerlink pointed out it was not a unanimous decision to pursue the housing, and said they should only build homes for low-income people when there is a need.
Harkless said a market study was considered in the process, pointing out that the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency would have not approved the tax credits if there weren’t a need, a statement Zimmerlink said she didn’t necessarily believe.
Harkless said the board has already “committed financially and legally” to the project.
According to a fact sheet from developer Falbo-Pennrose, the development will be built in one phase and the property will be owned by a limited partnership comprised of Ralph A. Falbo Inc., Pennrose GP LLC and Fayette County Housing Authority as special limited partner.
All 56 apartments will be public housing units and rent will be governed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and low-income guidelines. Units will be available to households with incomes up to 60 percent of the area median.
Andre Walters, director of technical services, previously said the maximum income for two people is $36,700; for three people is $41,300 and for four people is $45,900.
Solicitor Jack Purcell previously said the project is geared to uplift the whole area and create a place people will be proud to live in.
“We’re not rebuilding Lemon Wood Acres, this is the farthest from it. This will be a new community and a clean slate,” Purcell said.
The authority also approved a motion to change a policy in which Harkless is given $650 per month for a car allowance. The motion, approved 3-1, will allow Harkless to use a FCHA vehicle for personal use within the county and for any FCHA use.
When Bitonti asked for some time to think about the change before it goes into effect, the motion was approved. Bitonti voted against it with Zimmerlink, Beal and Nancy Sutton voting in favor of it. The change is effective June 30.