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Funds from the CDBG Housing Program partially funded the Mill View housing project.
Faith Pappachristos, Residence Services Coordinator and George Helwig, former Director of Housing Development both from Laconia Area Community Land Trust (LACLT) and Sheryl Piper, Mill View resident, recently talked to CDFA.
Click here to see Sheryl's testimonial
What was at this site prior to Mill View?
Faith - There was a field, empty lot and where the current two main buildings are located was an old factory, which was an eyesore. It was vandalized and homeless people lived there. It also had hazardous waste in it.
George - Originally we, the LACLT, were going to try and salvage the building, but it was in such poor shape and had hazardous waste that it had to be taken down. This is one of the gateways into the city so we wanted it to look good. A lot of thought went into the layout and design of all of the buildings.
What role did you play in the Project?
Faith - I screen all of the applicants and manage the waiting list. I also make sure all the people screened are within the tax credit guidelines to make sure they are income eligible. For each apartment the income cap is based on the number of people in the household and annual income. Mill View is for anyone whose head of household is over age 18 – singles and families.
How familiar with you with the CDBG funds that went into this project?
George - But for CDBG funds this project wouldn’t have gone forward. It’s hard enough to get these things built especially with hazardous waste. Without the CDBG funds this project wouldn’t have been done.
Because the CDBG money came in first, it saved LACLT money because we didn’t need to take out a construction loan at the very beginning of the project. This savings is passed on to our tenants in the affordable rents.
What was the total dollar cost of the project?
Approximately $3,256,907
Where did the other funds come from?
NH Housing Finance Authority-Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)
100% of the tenants will be L/M income. How do you think Mill View will positively impact their lives? Have their lives or will their lives be improved?
Faith - The majority of our tenants were in sub-par housing or homeless. They are now provided with affordable housing.
George - It is decent, affordable housing. The public walkway provides easy access to the downtown employment center. These units are built to last and they are permanently affordable because of LACLT. They all have cement siding which is guaranteed for 50 years. They are well insulated, so the energy costs will be low (tenants pay the utility bills).
We want to make people successful. We (LACLT) not only provide affordable housing, but also supportive services.
Faith - The service doesn’t stop at eligibility. My job is to help them maintain their household. I help them with budgeting, parenting, etc. Therefore they are able to maintain their households.
How many bedrooms are in each unit?
There are 3 bedroom townhouses/units
2 bedroom units
1 & 2 bedroom fully handicapped accessible units
1 bedroom apartments that are adaptable into handicapped accessible.
Some are townhouse style (upstairs and downstairs) with their own washer and dryer and some are apartment styles with a shared washer and dryer areas.
Is there a demand for the units?
Faith - We currently have 144 (head of households) people on our waiting list. They update the waiting list every six months. The majority of the applicants are working families that can’t afford rents. The average two bedroom apartment in Laconia goes for $800/month with nothing included. The average three bedroom apartment goes for $1,000-$1,800/month not including utilities. Sheryl’s three bedroom townhouse is $500/mo. plus utilities.
What is the biggest thing you have heard from the existing and future tenants regarding Mill View?
Faith - How spacious the apartments are and how much storage is included. People are blown away by how big they feel. The Mill View townhouses and apartments at the top of the hill have pretty amazing views from their bedroom windows. The units are affordable and people can’t believe how lovely the units are.
How will Mill View impact the City of Laconia?
Faith - It helps with the need for affordable housing.
George - The City of Laconia was able to get rid of a derelict building, reuse the site and get it back on the tax roll. LACLT pays full taxes. It (taxes) gets put back into the community. There were no taxes paid for 10 years prior. The City donated the property to LACLT to also improve the gateway to the City.
Has any other development been spurred by this project (domino effect)?
Yes, a neighboring building – the owner decided to improve it because after seeing Mill View no one will want to rent it.
Has the LACLT been impacted by Mill View?
George - It gives us more units to help us alleviate the problem of affordable housing. Plus, it extends our relationship with the City. Most of our families have been on a wait list for over a year.
Are there any questions I haven’t asked, but you think people would like to know about?
Faith - A lot of people support us and what we are trying to do. The community and state support us and that is how we are able to survive and continue to offer our services.
Tenant Interview with Sheryl Piper – She moved into a 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom townhouse, January 1, 2005.
Sheryl has: 7 children – two of whom live with her, a 17 and a 16 year old.
How did you learn about Mill View?
Sheryl – My daughter told me about Laconia Area Community Land Trust. I was homeless at the time.
Do you like your new apartment?
Sheryl – I love the apartment and the area. It is very private and spacious. It has lots of parking and a great view overlooking the city.
Do you walk into Downtown or to any local parks?
Sheryl – We can walk into downtown. It is a quick and safe way for the kids to walk to the middle school. They can also walk over the footbridge into downtown Laconia. The footbridge and walkway are a great way to get to the post office, downtown shopping area, and the teen center. You don’t even need a car, you can just walk!
How does Mill View compare to where you were living before?
Sheryl – I am a single parent on disability. Previously I owned a home in Belmont, but became disabled and wasn’t able to afford it anymore. We were homeless prior to meeting up with the Laconia Area Community Land Trust. They found a small apartment for us until Mill View townhouse was completed.
What do you like best about Mill View?
Sheryl – Coming from being homeless, this is a dream come true. I feel very safe and secure.
Are you doing anything differently at Mill View compared to your previous home?
Sheryl – Yes, living comfortably. It’s great to have a place of my own. Being homeless is not fun. The price is very reasonable. I’ve paid more money for a much smaller apartment. This is 10 times bigger compared to what we were in previously. Even the bathrooms are much bigger. It is much safer for the kids. My son turned 16 recently and we had 31 kids come for a birthday party. He invited everyone from the teen center. He told me, “It was the best birthday party he has ever had.”
Are there any questions I haven’t asked, but you think people would like to know about how Mill View has changed your life?
Sheryl – There are overflow parking spaces. We aren’t in anyone’s way. People have been dying to see what my new place looks like. I love it. It is even better than our house in Belmont. Going from homeless this is the best thing that could have happened.
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