Irwin OKs plans for Grand View Senior Residences

Irwin officials last week gave the go-ahead for the construction of a 50-unit four-story apartment building for senior citizens in a wooded area behind the Norwin Public Library.

Irwin Council unanimously approved the plans that the Westmoreland County Housing Authority presented for Grand View Senior Residences, pending the housing authority satisfying the borough engineer’s comments on the plan. The housing authority also must reach a development and stormwater management agreement with the borough.

Council’s approval followed a recommendation from the borough planning commission last month that it approve the plans, despite concerns raised by neighbors in the area about the increase in traffic that the apartment complex would create along Caruthers Lane.

The site will be connected to Laurel Avenue in North Huntingdon by a 1,300-foot access road . The township planning commission recommended approval of the access road.

The housing authority anticipates closing on the financing for the project in August and beginning construction in September, said Erik Spiegel, the authority’s director of architecture and engineering services. Financing will come from the sale of low-income housing tax credits purchased by Boston Financial Investment Management. Construction of the building is estimated to cost between $10 million and $11 million, with another $1.5 million to $2 million for extensive site preparation.

Once work begins, it is expected to take about 14 months to complete, Spiegel said. The site will have a walking trail, fenced-in dog park, community garden and bus stop for service by the Westmoreland County Transit Authority.

The brick and concrete building is designated for seniors ages 62 and older. Three of the units will be designated for low-income seniors — those whose household income is roughly $12,000, equal to 20% of the average median income of the area, Spiegel said. Other units will be for those whose income ranges from $30,00 to $40,000, which would be about 50% to 60% of the average median income.

Income-eligible veterans will have preference for eight of the units, although those apartments will be filled if there are not eight eligible veterans.

The authority has yet to create a waiting list to live in the building, but when it does, borough residents will not be given preference, Spiegel said.

When finished, the building will be similar to those built by the housing authority along South Greengate Road in Hempfield, Spiegel said.