Oakland County has marked a rejuvenating milestone with the opening of the Westwood South Apartments in Pontiac, Michigan. As reported by CBS News Detroit, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was hosted yesterday by Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter alongside local officials, celebrating the availability of 72 new mixed-income housing units to the community.
Featuring both one and two-bedroom options, Westwood South stands on the grounds of the old Midwestern Baptist College and boasts amenities that include in-unit washers and dryers, private balconies or patios, and essential ADA-compliant accessibility features. According to Oakland County, the development was significantly supported by a $2.5 million loan from the Oakland Together Housing Trust Fund, through which the strategic goal of creating livable neighborhoods is pushed forward.
"This is what progress looks like, public and private partners coming together to create affordable housing that offers stability for our residents," Coulter stated, as per the details shared by CBS News Detroit. Targeting a diverse range of residents, including those with housing vouchers or assistance like the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program, the complex is a testament to Oakland County's commitment to affordable living solutions. The managing partner of Westwood Apartment Communities, Bill Chalmers, underlined the sentiment, saying, "Our goal was to create a place where individuals and families, no matter their circumstances, could feel at home and supported."
Among the first individuals calling Westwood South home is lifelong Pontiac resident and Navy veteran Frank Bell. "I've lived in Pontiac all my life and I'm grateful to be able to remain a Pontiac resident because of the Westwood community and support from Oakland County and VASH," Bell shared with CBS News Detroit, expressing his appreciation for the community that has provided him with more than just a roof over his head. There are stories like Bell's and that of a mother and child who transitioned from a shelter situation, marking the complex not just as a set of buildings, but as a cradle for new beginnings and continued community growth.
The Oakland Together Housing Trust Fund, since its inception in 2023, has channeled upwards of $18 million into initiatives aimed at enhancing housing accessibility. With a vested interest in underserved communities and economic empowerment through housing opportunities, the Fund continues to solicit project proposals that align with its mission. Further information about the fund and the Westwood apartments can be found on their respective websites, giving interested parties a glimpse into how Oakland County is shaping the future of affordable housing.
