The new Stone Grove Crossing development delivers 84 modern, affordable homes on a former public housing site in Wicomico County, Md.
Officials recently celebrated a ribbon-cutting for the community, which is the first phase of the redevelopment of the former Booth Street public housing site. The Wicomico County Housing Authority (WCHA) and developer Pennrose Properties partnered on the project.
“The opening of Stone Grove has been a long journey,” said Bob Culver, county executive, Wicomico County. “We began planning for the modernization of the county’s affordable housing 10 years ago. It is gratifying to finally see this part of our vision realized.”
Booth Street, the former 100-unit public housing community, was originally constructed in the 1960s. Over time, the buildings fell into disrepair, eventually leading to many of the units becoming vacant. Fifty of the original units were demolished to make room for Stone Grove Crossing. This same number of units in the new 84-unit community will be replacement housing for former residents.
Located just outside the Salisbury city limits, the development features one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in nine three-story apartment buildings on a 5.38-acre site. Units feature washer and dryers, Energy Star appliances, spacious layouts, and ample storage.
The project also includes the redevelopment of the existing 4,937-square-foot community building to modernize and improve its appearance and functionality. New spaces include a fitness room, a computer room, a renovated kitchen, and separate office space for WCHA and Pennrose property management personnel.
“These new apartment homes are a stark contrast to what was available to residents previously,” said Ivy Dench-Carter, regional vice president for Pennrose. “We have enjoyed our partnership with Wicomico County and the Wicomico County Housing Authority in our efforts to improve the housing options for its residents and enhance the surrounding area.”
The $17 million development was funded by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and Community Development Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Rental Assistance Demonstration program, 9% low-income housing tax credit equity proceeds via Alden Capital Partners and JPMorgan Chase, and a private loan from Chase Bank.
Monthly rents for the units range from $878 to $1,017 with income restrictions.
