Affordable housing project set to open in 2013

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CDA development will provide affordable housing for moderate-income families, officials say

A 47-unit affordable townhome development called Northwood is set to open in the summer of 2013 in Eagan. The development will be operated by the Dakota County Community Development Agency under its Family Townhome Project, which is aimed at providing affordable housing for moderate-income families with children under age 18. Northwood’s design will look similar to Carbury Hills in Rosemount (pictured above). – Photo submitted

A 47-unit affordable housing complex is set to open in Eagan next year.

The Dakota County Community Development Agency plans to open Northwood Townhomes along the Northwood Circle in the summer of 2013.

“The goal of workforce housing developments like this is to provide safe, affordable housing for families,” said Kari Gill, deputy executive director of the Dakota County Community Development Agency.

The $5.6 million project is part of the CDA’s Family Townhome Project, which is designed for moderate-income families with children under age 18.

Northwood will be the largest development under the program, which includes 19 townhome complexes operated by the CDA.

The CDA’s most recently completed projects include Meadowlark in Lakeville and Quarry View in Apple Valley, which opened in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Once complete, Northwood Townhomes, which is funded by the federal low-income housing tax credit, will feature one-, two- and three-bedroom townhomes with a picnic area, basketball hoop and tot lot outside.

Residents will able to pay a fixed rent of $570 for a one-bedroom home, up to $650 for a two-bedroom and up to $705 for a three-bedroom.

Although the Northwood and similar CDA developments offer affordable fixed rent, it will not accept state subsidized rent.

“This development will be for people in modest paying jobs who need affordable housing,” Gill said.

Applicants must meet income guidelines, provide good landlord and credit references and pass a criminal background check to become a resident.

For a three-bedroom home, for instance, the minimum income required is $19,032. The program also sets a maximum income, which includes $50,400 for a family of four.

More than 1,800 applicants are on a waiting list for the program, including 1,000 who are interested in the new Eagan development.

The Northwood will be the program’s third development to open in Eagan in the past 16 years. Erin Place opened in 1996 on Erin Drive off Cliff Road and Oak Ridge opened in 2004 near Diffley Road.

For more information on Northwood Townhomes or the CDA’s Family Townhome Project, visit www.dakotacda.org/townhome_program.htm