Wilmington's endeavor to transform a historic area into modern, affordable housing reached another significant milestone with the official dedication of Phase 5 of The Flats development. A culmination of efforts by the Todmorden Foundation in partnership with Woodlawn Trustees, Phase 5 adds over 50 affordable units explicitly designed for senior citizens. Wilmington's robust economic development is partly credited to the project's hefty financial investment, exceeding $110 million.
Noted for creating hundreds of jobs and contributing to the revitalization of the community, Phase 5 is situated at the nexus of Bayard Avenue and 4th St. The Flats, envisioned as seven-phase project, will ultimately boast 434 units catered to low-income individuals and the disabled. Affordable and strategically placed, these units offer access to public transportation and on-site amenities such as supportive services, maintenance, free Wi-Fi, and a community center. In a statement released by the City of Wilmington's official website, Mayor Mike Purzycki expressed his optimism, heralding the project as "a true game changer" in the fields of job creation, economic development, and bringing quality affordable housing.
The project's latest phase gathered an ensemble of politicians and local celebrities, including U.S. Representative Elect Sarah McBride and HUD Delaware Field Office Director Maria Bynum, among others. Funding for The Flats has been a collaborative effort, with contributions from the Rockford Woodlawn Foundation, Discover Bank, and the Delaware General Assembly, to name a few. Support also poured in the form of $2.95 million in grants, while the Delaware State Housing Authority injected an additional $5 million from the state’s Housing Development Fund and COVID Gap Funding into the development. Senator Chris Coons, in an interview with the City of Wilmington's website, stated, "By working together, these housing partners are providing a valuable service to our neighbors and helping revitalize and strengthen our Delaware communities."
Dana Hanchin, President and CEO of HDC MidAtlantic, highlighted the significance of the HUD 202 funding, which ensures that low-income seniors spend no more than 30% of their income on rent. The commitment resonates with Woodlawn Trustees’ century-long mission of offering safe and affordable homes, advocated by its founder William Bancroft. Woodlawn Trustees continues to honor this mission into the present, shaping the landscape of affordable housing in Wilmington. More details on the organizations involved can be found at the City of Wilmington's official website.
