Woda Cooper Cos. has closed on the financing and is beginning construction on its 20th development in Pennsylvania.
The new 56-unit townhome development called Kellinger Greene was awarded low-income housing tax credits by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) in 2019, and CREA is providing the tax credit equity. Financing also includes a construction loan from Park National Bank and permanent financing from PHFA and the York County HOME loan program.
The $14.5 million development will be located in a suburban residential neighborhood in Fairview Township within York County. PHFA designated the location as an “area of opportunity” because of its strong schools and employment opportunities and significant need for expanded affordable housing. A large number of jobs are available at nearby FedEx and Amazon centers plus other light industrial businesses. The site is less than a mile from I-83, a major regional commuting route. Elementary, middle, and high schools are located about 2 miles away with shopping, parks, and other services located nearby.
“Kellinger Greene will answer the need in this specific location for high-quality affordable housing for working families, singles, and seniors with moderate to lower incomes,” said Andrew B. Cohen, Woda Cooper’s senior vice president, who is spearheading the development.
The new community will offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for workforce families, singles, and seniors who earn up to 60% of the area median income. There will be seven two-story buildings, and it will be 100% visitable for those with mobility challenges, with zero-step entrances for all common areas and apartments. Six apartments will be designed with full accessibility features for residents with mobility, hearing, and vision impairments, plus three more units will offer features for hearing or vision impairments.
The townhome apartments will feature family-friendly amenities such as open-concept, bright living spaces; fully equipped kitchens, with Energy Star appliances, including dishwashers; washer/dryer hookups; individual electric HVAC and hot water heaters; carpeting and tile flooring; and walk-in closets. There will be two off-street parking spaces per unit. Community amenities include a community room with a kitchen, on-site rental management and a resident services office, a computer room, and outdoor common spaces including a playground.
Energy efficiency will be a key component for Kellinger Greene. The design and materials will result in tightly sealed building envelopes with high-performance insulation, plus specialized fresh air transfer systems and low-flow water fixtures. Kellinger Greene will be built to be certified LEED Silver and Zero Energy Ready Homes. “Residents will pay low monthly utility bills due to the green building methods, including energy-efficient kitchens, heating/cooling systems, windows, and water-saving bathroom fixtures,” said Cohen.
Architectural Concepts is architect, McCarthy Engineering Associates is the civil engineer, and Woda Construction is the general contractor.
Woda Cooper is one of the nation’s leading affordable housing firms. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the company operates in 15 states and has a portfolio of approximately 350 communities and more than 14,000 units. The firm marked its 30th year in business this year
