Thanks to federal stimulus money, work has begun at last on a $10 million project to demolish the old Calvert Heights housing and rebuild there with attractive, integrated and environmentally friendly units.
Part of one building was knocked down Thursday at the groundbreaking ceremony attended by officials of Chestertown, the Maryland Department of Housing and the federal Housing and Urban Development agency. Completion is expected in about 18 months.
“Eventually all the people who lived at Calvert Heights will come back,” said Mayor Margo Bailey. “Plus, we’ll have workforce rentals, for people who work but can’t afford rents in Chestertown — people who work at gas stations or as teacher’s aides. The Calvert Heights rents will be lower for them because of tax credits.”
In place of the 22-unit project, will come 40 townhouses with two and three-bedroom units. There will be a community center and on-site management.
“We’ve never had an on-site manager before, but that will make it much easier for tenants,” said the mayor. “If people are not putting out garbage on time, or visitors are not behaving right, the manager can take quick action.”
The project will be built with environmentally friendly building materials. All appliances and mechanical systems will be energy efficient. During deconstruction of the old units, the blacktop and concrete will be recycled by David A. Bramble Inc.
Bailey said there was a delay starting the project because housing tax credits were sold but no one was picking them up after the economy tanked. Now, because of the reinvestment and stimulus act, men are at work.
“It will be stimulating a lot of jobs in Chestertown,” Bailey said.
Travis E. Black says
I hope that is the reason for all this, and not to just destroy alot of our homes!