Twenty of the 30 homes are finished in Arlington Heights.
By SEAN BARRON
YOUNGSTOWN — It probably doesn't take more than a perfunctory observation to notice that a major transformation is under way in a section of the city's North Side.
That was one of the main messages brought up Wednesday at a meeting of the Youngstown Arts & Entertainment District Association to describe what's being done in the Arlington Heights neighborhood.
The work, along with the Wick District-Smoky Hollow project, is part of an effort to rebuild and revitalize neighborhoods in the city and provide affordable housing to those with low or moderate incomes.
Marnette Nelson, homeownership coordinator for the Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority, told the audience of 60 to 70 people that the Arlington Heights project will consist of 30 homes for sale as well as 74 rental units geared toward low- to moderate-income residents.
So far, 20 of the 30 houses are finished, with four being occupied, and Nelson said she hopes construction of the rentals and remaining 10 homes can start this fall or next spring.
The location
Arlington Heights is bordered by Wirt and Griffith streets and Oxford and Park avenues. Much of the project funding is coming from a $20 million Housing and Urban Development Hope VI grant, she noted.
Those interested in buying a home will have to meet certain income requirements and be able to make a $1,000 down payment, Nelson said. Help will be available, though, for those who wish to buy but don't initially qualify because of poor credit or not being able to make the down payment, she continued.
For example, they can apply for the Buy Into Youngstown initiative, which is set up to increase home ownership in the city and get more people to qualify to buy homes. It also provides home-buying counseling to address budget and financial matters, credit history, predatory-lending practices and home-maintenance issues, all to help them prepare for owning a house.
Homes will start at around $54,400 and most will have three bedrooms, two-car garages, central air conditioning and carpeting, and some will be accessible to those with disabilities, Nelson said. Residents will be part of a homeowners association, which, among other things, will allow them to have a voice in what goes on, she added.
"We'll be consistent in keeping up the community. We do want to bring a sense that this is a community," Nelson said, adding that plans are under way to also include a ball field and a health and wellness center.