Workers are expected to start building the 35-unit, income-restricted Cheesman Street Residences at the northeast corner of Cheesman Street and County Line Road this summer after the Erie Town Council approved the development in a 4-1 vote earlier this week.
Councilmember Andrew Sawusch voted no on the project, stating that the location was not right for an affordable housing development. Councilmember Brandon Bell was not in attendance. It’s planned to be a mix of townhomes and single-family detached homes.
Half of the homes will be restricted for sale to residents who earn less than 90% of the area median income, or $119,520 for a household of four people, according to M.J. Adams, Erie’s affordable housing manager. Half of the homes will be restricted for sale to residents earning less than 110% of the area median income, or $146,080 for a household of four people. The area median income is calculated by the federal Housing and Urban Development department based on area salaries.
The qualifying area median income amounts in Erie are adjusted annually, Adams said.
Denver-based Vertikal Development is the developer for the town’s first private-public affordable housing development project. The construction schedule calls for residents to start moving into their homes next summer, Adams said.
Senior Planner Aly Burkhalter said town staffers met with the neighbors to address their concerns, which were mostly around traffic, parking and design of the corresponding alley. She said she also met with the pastor of Calvary Church, which is adjacent to the development, and that residents will be able to use the church parking lot for overflow parking every day except Sunday.
“I acknowledge that there is going to be growing pains in Old Town,” Burkhalter said.
Erie staffers also plan to work with the nearby school to address traffic issues during pick-up and drop-off hours.
The development plans call for homes that fit the character of Old Town and that are all electric. The homes will have a 20-year renewable deed restriction to maintain affordability.
Town government funds include $3.2 million to buy the land, set the rebates and make capital improvements along East County Line Road. American Rescue Plan Act funds, town funds, and the state Department of Local Affairs grant are covering those costs, according to city meeting materials.
In November 2022, the town voted to pay $1.15 million to buy the Cheesman property.
More information about the Cheesman Street Residences is at erieco.gov/2310/Cheesman-Development. Erie has a goal to have 12% affordable housing stock by 2035, and is currently at 1.3%.
