Groundbreaking Ceremony Celebrates Start of Construction at Vergennes Senior Housing
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On June 27 Senator Bernie Sanders joined HUD Region I Director Barbara Fields, representatives of Housing Vermont and the Addison County Community Trust (ACCT), community members, and public and private funders to mark the start of construction for 25 apartments for seniors in Vergennes.
The $6.2 million development will draw upon at least eight funding sources including a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant of $361,000 secured by Senator Sanders.
Senator Sanders congratulated the two nonprofits for creating sorely needed senior housing while crafting an innovative mix of funding sources that not only minimizes rents, but will also take full advantage of renewable power, green building techniques and energy-efficient design. Senator Sanders pointed out that the building will use solar panels to pre-heat hot water and a wood pellet boiler to be fueled by pellets manufactured regionally. A super-insulation package of spray foam and rigid insulation exceeding code, and Energy Star lighting and appliances will also help keep operating costs low and conserve energy.
Senator Sanders said “This is exactly the kind of housing we should be building – not only does it meet the significant need for quality and affordable senior housing, but it does it in a very energy efficient manner. Also, this project is much more than housing. It brings the elderly of the entire surrounding community together in their own senior center and enables them to continue to participate actively in the life of the community.” Sanders also noted that there will be twice weekly senior luncheons at the site, and the local Meals-on-Wheels program will also be based there.
HUD Region I Administrator Barbara Fields said, "I am proud to join Senator Sanders, Addison County Community Trust and Housing Vermont to break ground on such an innovative project. HUD is thrilled to be part of the team that is helping to expand senior housing opportunities in Vermont."
The three story building will offer 20 one-bedroom apartments and 5 two-bedroom units. Three apartments are handicap accessible and all of the remaining apartments are adaptable.
Eight of the apartments will be eligible for rental assistance payments from HUD, which also provided a HUD 202 grant for construction of $1,260,400. Of the remaining 17 apartments, 12 will offer below-market rents, and five will be market rate. Residents in the apartments with rental assistance will pay about 30% of their income for rent. Rents for the remainder of the homes are projected to range from $565 to $865 including all utilities.
“Thanks to the help of Senator Sanders, we are able to create attractive, highly efficient homes for seniors across a wide range of incomes,” said Nancy Owens, President of Housing Vermont. “We are especially pleased that we could do this in a smart growth location,” Owens said.
Owens also thanked People’s United Bank for providing both a tax credit equity investment of $2,751,250 and construction financing. Other funding sources include HUD; the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board; Vermont Housing Finance Agency; Vermont Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development; City of Vergennes; and the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation.
Terry McKnight, ACCT Executive Director, anticipates much demand for the apartments. “We already have 42 households who have asked to be notified when we begin to accept applications,” McKnight said.
Wiemann-Lamphere Architects designed the building and the Bread Loaf Corporation is the construction manager.
Construction work is expected to be completed by March 2012.