City of Frederick, MD

10/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/07/2024 13:17

Maryland Community Development Week

The City of Frederick celebrates Maryland Community Development Week with a strong commitment to affordable housing and community development.

In celebration of Maryland Community Development Week, the City of Frederick is proud to spotlight its unwavering dedication to affordable housing and community development initiatives. The city's significant investments and collaborations are creating more inclusive, accessible, and vibrant neighborhoods for all residents.

Two highly anticipated affordable housing projects are now leasing up, marking major milestones in the city's housing strategy:

Foundry Square, located at 110 W. South Street, is a stunning intergenerational affordable housing community featuring 96 senior units and 56 family units. The Foundry Square project is set to be fully leased by the end of the year.

West All Saints Condominiumsconsists of 12 condos that will be sold to low-income homeowners at below-market rates as part of Habitat for Humanity's Land Trust program ensuring long-term affordability for future homeowners.

Over the past year, the city has leveraged grants and deferred loans to support the development of affordable housing and community spaces, reflecting its vision of fostering equitable growth:

  • $650,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)for the renovation and expansion of the Carver Community Center, a vital hub for social services and community programs.
  • $1 million MPDU deferred loanfor The Junction affordable housing development, supporting the creation of 179 affordable housing units in a mixed-use, mixed-income community.
  • $1 million MPDU grantfor the redevelopment of Lucas Village providing modern, affordable housing units while preserving the community's character and identity.
  • $800,000 MPDU grantfor Madison on North Market, a mixed-use affordable housing development set to deliver 60 high-quality, energy efficient units including a state-of-the-art Head Start child care facility.
  • $200,000 MPDU grantand $579,185 CDBG grant to Habitat for Humanity for the development of the West All Saints Condominiums, promoting affordable homeownership opportunities.

Additionally, the city has implemented tax credits through the Payment in Lieu of Tax (PILOT) Program to further encourage the development of affordable housing.

Mayor Michael O'Connor stated, "Our commitment to affordable housing and community development is about creating communities where all residents can thrive. The investments we're making today will ensure that Frederick remains a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city for generations to come."

Ruth Waxter, Assistant Director of Housing and Human Services for the city of Frederick stated, ""The city is dedicated to collaborating with our community partners to revitalize neighborhoods and create diverse housing options that meet the needs of every family. A Housing Needs Study, set to begin this month, will identify our residents' needs and provide essential data to help us develop effective strategic housing policies."

For more information, please contact Ruth Waxter, Assistant Director of Housing and Human Services at [email protected].