News & Views

February 5, 2010

Sanibel foundation dedicates first affordable housing opportunities

Community Housing & Resources, Inc., which serves as the city of Sanibel’s housing foundation, will celebrate the completion of its 14 newest homes Saturday, Feb. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

These homes are the latest additions to Sanibel’s affordable housing program and introduce limited-equity ownership to the program. The neighborhood consists of eight limited-equity home ownership units and six Below Market Rate Housing (BMRH) rental units in duplex configuration. Nationwide Homes, in association with CHR’s Project Manager Rick Kennedy and his team, have constructed this new neighborhood for 14 working families on Sanibel.

Centre Place is the first Florida Green and LEED-certified project on Sanibel (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a federal designation). See attached sheet for a list of the green features of Centre Place. In addition, the project was built using subcontractors and suppliers that have a long history of working on Sanibel. Kennedy Construction, which managed the project, is a family-owned company that’s been on Sanibel for 33 years.

This 2.4-acre site was purchased by CHR from a private owner in 1990 by means of a $100,000 loan from the City of Sanibel, which has been repaid. Financing for Centre Place was provided by a grant from the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) for $500,000, a grant from the HOME Investment Partnership Program for over $98,000, and a construction loan through the Sanibel-Captiva Community Bank.

CHR – which is also celebrating its 30th anniversary serving the city of Sanibel – now has an inventory that includes 98 homes, 88 of which are owned by CHR in partnership with the city of Sanibel, plus an additional 10 homes that are part of the Below Market Rate Housing program through a management arrangement with the owners of the properties.

The public dedication and ribbon-cutting will begin at 11:20 in front of 1490 Centre Street, Sanibel, after which attendees will be able to tour a two-bedroom model and a three-bedroom model. Food will be provided by Bailey’s. No parking will be available on-site but trolley service will be available from three free parking lots at McT’s Restaurant (1523 Periwinkle Way), Bank of the Islands (1699 Periwinkle Way), and Sanibel Community Church (1740 Periwinkle Way).

- Contributed by Coast & Islands Community Land Trust and Community Housing & Resources, Inc.

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