Published: October 14, 2009 11:15 pm      

Garrett lease-to-own project will provide work force housing

OAKLAND — More affordable housing will be coming to Oakland soon thanks to the Liberty & Mews housing development on Liberty Road.

"Initial renters can eventually become owners," said Maryland Secretary of Housing and Community Development Ray Skinner, who was present for Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony.

Skinner emphasized the importance of affordable housing and said a need for low-income housing remains throughout the state. There are still 140,000 units needed for families whose income lies under 60 percent of the area's median income.

The project also stands to bring economic benefits to Garrett County. "This project will make jobs, put people back to work and put money into Garrett County's economy," he said.

The Mews is a joint project involving the Garrett County Community Action Committee and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. It is the second phase of the River Hill development effort; the first, a 30-unit apartment complex called Liberty Square, was completed earlier this year.

Financing for Liberty Mews included a $1.2 million mortgage from First United Bank & Trust and economic stimulus money from the Department of Housing and Community Development. Completion of the Mews is slated for 2010, and when completed, the property will be professionally managed by Garrettland Inc.

The Mews will consist of 36 townhouse units for low-income families and will incorporate a lease-to-own plan. In 15 years, residents will be offered the opportunity to purchase their units. They will also work with the Garrett County Community Action Committee to prepare to become successful homeowners.

"People who work and live here work well together," said Duane Yoder, president of the Garrett County Community Action Committee. Yoder stressed the importance of the various partnerships between state, public and financial organizations in making the Mews project a reality. One example Yoder gave was the difficulty in funding a project like the Mews in the current economic climate.

Since large investment pools are less likely to invest in rural area development projects at the moment, the assistance of First United Bank was vital for financing the project, he said. "If this goes well, it's something that will be profitable for everyone involved," said Yoder. "I feel really good about this project."

The former and acting mayors of Oakland were also present at the event. "I look forward to (the Mews) filling a need for young couples getting started," said Asa McCain, retired mayor of Oakland.

"It'll be a real asset to the community," said acting Mayor of Oakland Peggy Jamison. "It's got a real nice mix of types of housing." Jamison added that Oakland will eventually work to commemorate the remains of Fort Alice, a Civil War site included within the River Hill complex.

Skinner also visited sites in Grantsville and Loch Lynn.

Contact Cory Galliher at cgalliher@times-news.com.