Waynedale Political Commentaries

SAFE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS AWARDED – Message From The Mayor

I recently congratulated four teams of developers and social service agencies that were awarded Rental Housing Tax Credits (RHTCs) for their projects located in Fort Wayne.

The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) recently announced 17 applicants statewide that will receive just over $14.4 million in the tax credits. Four of the 17 projects selected for funding are located in Fort Wayne.

The high number of Fort Wayne projects that were awarded Rental Housing Tax Credits speaks to the exceptional quality of the proposed developments. I am grateful for our strong partnerships with the high-quality developers and agencies that are working to bring safe and affordable housing options to our residents.

These developments will significantly improve the lives of some of our most vulnerable residents, including those who are low-income, chronically homeless, disabled and seniors. The projects will turn 49 vacant lots into single-family homes and the outdated Frances Slocum School into 43 multi-family apartments, as well as add 56 new apartments for residents who are at risk of homelessness.

The four developments that have been awarded tax credits are:

Biggs Workforce Housing: $9.7 million project
This project includes the new construction of 24 single family homes on Blight Elimination Program lots (owned by the City of Fort Wayne) throughout Fort Wayne, as well as the new construction of 24 single family homes on a single site in Columbia City by Biggs TC Development, LLC. The IHCDA awarded $921,524 in RHTCs to the project.

Neighborhood Homes & Apartments; $11.8 million project
This project includes the new construction of 25 single family homes on Blight Elimination Program lots (owned by the City of Fort Wayne) throughout Fort Wayne, as well as the new construction of Van Buren Flats, a 25-unit building on a vacant lot in downtown Columbia City. SCAN, Inc. and Biggs TC Development LLC are partners in the development. Twelve of the units will be reserved for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The IHCDA awarded $1,188,503 in RHTCs to the project.

River’s Edge: $13.9 million project
River’s Edge is the new construction of 56 permanent supportive housing units (for individuals with disabilities and at risk of homelessness) in Fort Wayne by UP Development, LLC. The Fort Wayne Housing Authority and Park Center are co-developers in this project. The IHCDA awarded $1,200,000 in RHTCs, $500,000 from the Development Fund and $400,000 from the Housing Trust Fund to the project.

Slocum Pointe: $7.1 million project
Slocum Pointe is the adaptive reuse of the former Frances Slocum School, as well as new construction, of 43 multi-family affordable housing units, some of which are for individuals with developmental disabilities. The project team includes Brightpoint and Keller Development. It was awarded $650,000 in RHTCs.

Tom Henry - Fort Wayne Mayor

A lifelong Fort Wayne resident, Mayor Thomas C. Henry is committed to public and community service. He was elected to his first term as Fort Wayne's Mayor November 6, 2007. Mayor Henry authors the "Message from the Mayor" column. > Read Full Biography > More Articles Written By This Writer