NEWS
RELEASE
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE:
March 4, 2002
Patrick Higgins, National Church Residences, 273-3514
Paul H. Coleman, Maryhaven, 445-8131
Walnut Banks Supportive
Housing Development Stopped
COLUMBUS, OHIO— National
Church Residences and Maryhaven are announcing that plans for a joint venture to
develop a new affordable housing community on the southeast side of Columbus
have been put on hold. The
partnership has learned that its recent purchase offer for the proposed site at
4500 Refugee Road has been declined by the property owner.
The proposed development
combined Maryhaven’s expertise in supportive services with National Church
Residences’ extensive property management experience. The venture was part of the
Rebuilding Lives plan to provide
housing for long-term homeless men coordinated by the Community Shelter
Board. The two agencies had planned
to create an attractive, high-quality apartment development combining housing
and supportive services for low-income and formerly homeless residents.
"National Church Residences
is disappointed that the development of Walnut Banks will not proceed as
planned,” said Thomas W. Slemmer, President and CEO of National Church
Residences. “The need for quality, affordable housing on a local
level
continues to be great, and NCR will continue to its efforts to develop
supportive housing.”
Community outreach was
extensive and support was building for the project. The development had garnered
the support of the Madison Township Trustees and the Southeast Community
Coalition.
“The Community Shelter Board
is encouraged by the breadth of support for this development and for the overall
Rebuilding Lives Plan,” said Barbara Poppe, Executive Director of the Community
Shelter Board, “Supportive housing continues to the best way to end chronic
homelessness. We will continue to work with community to find an alternative
site for this partnership.”
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