News & Views: Press Releases

February 28, 2005

Press Release
For Immediate Publication

For further information contact:
Cyndie Hoggatt, Admin. Assistant
Community Housing & Resources, Inc.
472-1189

NEW BMRH COMPLEX NEARS COMPLETION

SANIBEL, FL - Woodhaven, Community Housing & Resources, Inc.’s (CHR’s) newest affordable housing development for Island families with low to moderate incomes will be ready for occupancy soon. The public will be invited to attend an Open House when Woodhaven is completed.

The U-shaped complex, designed by Sanibel architect Edgar Burton, and built by long-time Sanibel builder George Parker, Inc., is located on Casa Ybel Road behind Bank of the Islands (Edison Bank) and Healthpark of the Islands.

Woodhaven consists of 12 two-bedroom units that are arranged in groups of three, with the four structures under one continuous roof. Each structure includes three 950 square foot 2-bedroom apartment units.

“CHR obtained over $500,000.00 in grants to apply to the construction of Woodhaven,” CHR Executive Director Jan Hyatt said. The structure sits on
(NEW BMRH cont.)

3.07 acres of land, which was purchased by CHR with the help of $155,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The State Housing Initiatives (SHIP) program has also committed $390,000 more in grants to CHR for Woodhaven’s construction.

The complex is on pilings with five stairwells and an elevator. Design features include covered decks linking the four structures, individual screened porches, an interior fire sprinkler system, larger-than-usual bathrooms and showers, and a screened gazebo on the rear lawn for socializing. The area under the buildings contains a locking storage unit for each apartment, and two sheltered parking bays. The units come complete with all appliances and window coverings. Additional special features will be included in each unit.

Woodhaven is within walking or biking distance of shops, post office facilities, banks, supermarkets, doctors’ offices, churches, theaters, drug stores and many other destinations. “The location is ideal,” said Hyatt.

Tenant selection has begun, but applications are still being taken for this and any of the other BMRH locations. Date of application will be one factor in the selection of tenants, as well as income and Sanibel residency or job history.

At the present time, the gross income limit for one person in the Below Market Rate Housing program is $31,650 per year; the income limit for two persons is $36,850 per year. Income limits for the new Woodhaven units will be slightly lower due to grant restrictions at this location. Rent for these units is set based on a tenant household’s yearly income, with a maximum rent expected to be $550 per month.

For more information on the new Woodhaven units, the Below Market Rate Housing program, or to request an application form, contact CHR at the island Civic Center (the old library building), 2401 Library Way, Sanibel, 33957. The telephone number is (239) 472-1189.

CHR administers Sanibel’s Below Market Rate Housing program under contract to the City. Including the new Woodhaven units, there are currently 64 homes in the program.

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