Newberg Graphic Online

HAYC completes Vittoria renovations

Affordable housing — USDA grant funds energy efficiency measures at low income apartments

• By: David Sale  
• Published: 10/30/2009 4:37:32 PM

    Officials from the city of Newberg and the Housing Authority of Yamhill County (HAYC) met with local renters Wednesday to celebrate the completion of renovations to Vittoria Square, a low-income apartment complex on N. Springbrook Road serving seniors and the handicapped.
    “I love it,” resident Ray Smith said of the completed work. “The complex was in kinda bad shape before — there’s no comparison now.”
    HAYC purchased the 43-unit complex in 2005 and began plans to renovate the buildings. The work was made possible through a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program, which offers funding for low-income housing development in rural communities.
    “The property was tied up in a federal lawsuit and USDA Rural Development approached us about making an offer to buy the property, to ensure that it remained affordable for the residents,” said HAYC commissioner Phil Griffin. “And a process it was — the legal issues surrounding the property led to numerous starts and stops that left us wondering from one month to the next if the deal would ever close.”
    The repairs were carried out by contractors LMC, Inc., with the aid of architect Randall Yamada, and included new windows, siding and paint, as well as making four units newly ADA-compliant with carpets, counters and bathroom facilities to meet the needs of handicapped residents.
    “I’m very excited,” said resident Michelle Peacock. “It looks much nicer and the buildings are better insulated now and less drafty — it’ll make a big difference this winter.”
    “I don’t use half as much electricity to heat my place as I did before the renovations,” Price agreed.
In November, the units are also scheduled to receive new, energy-efficient appliances, HAYC officials said.
    HAYC is presently accepting rental applications for one- and two-bedroom units in the Vittoria Square complex. Rent is between $425 and $495 per month prior to income-based USDA subsidies.
    For more information or to request an application, call 503-538-3698 or e-mail vittoria@hayc.org.

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