2010

Newark Post

Ground broken on senior apartment complex in downtown Elkton

A New Jersey developer and Housing Initiative Partnership broke ground Thursday on a 60-unit senior apartment complex in downtown Elkton that is scheduled to be ready for occupancy next summer.

“We are happy to mark the beginning of this project today,” said David Holden, development principal with The Ingerman Group, headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. Holden made his remarks at a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday with several Elkton town officials in attendance, along with Mary Halsey, president and CEO of Cecil Bank, an equity partner in the project.

The total project, including land costs, design and construction is estimated to be $11.5 million. Holden said the project was one of five in Maryland that qualified for stimulus funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development partnered with Cecil Bank and the town of Elkton to fund this project, using $4 million in federal stimulus money.

Construction of the four-story apartment building at 141-149 E. High St. will begin as soon as the permits are issued, Holden said Thursday. The one- and two-bedroom units will be occupied by eligible seniors who are at least 62.

“This development will provide senior residents of Elkton and the surrounding area with much needed, affordable housing that has access to all amenities and services,” Holden said. The one-bedroom units will be 710 square feet, while the two-bedroom units will be 900 square feet. Rents are expected to be $448 a month for a one-bedroom and $763 a month for a two-bedroom. Developers say that utility costs should be about 30 percent less than comparable units because of installation of energy-efficient equipment, appliances and insulation.

Occupants will be offered an on-site social service coordinator, health screenings, workshops, computer training and recreational programs. The building will be equipped with a fitness room, activity and computer areas.

Holden said the town’s contribution was forfeiting of about $65,000 in permit fees, but he noted the town will receive about $900,000 in hook-up fees.

MBI Development Company, an affiliate of The Ingerman Group and Housing Initiative Partnership, is co-developer of this project. The design team is comprised of Architecture by Design, Haley Donovan Architecture and local engineering firm McCrone. The general contractor is Hamel Builders.