53 NE Bend workforce townhomes due in 2017

It’s certainly no secret that Bend has a dire need for more affordable workforce housing. The least affordable city in the state, Bend has a vacancy rate below 1 percent for multifamily housing, leaving families with very few options.

Ironically, Deschutes County is the fastest growing county in the State and the seventh fastest in the United States.

In 2017, an additional 53 families will find locating affordable workforce housing in Bend a little easier. Housing Works recently announced it is slated to break ground on two new townhome communities, totaling 53 units, during the summer of 2016.

Daggett Townhomes, a 24-unit development, and Moonlight Townhomes, a 29-unit development will be built near two of Bend’s major employment centers – St. Charles Medical Center and The Forum Shopping Center.

Both developments will be ideally located near Highway 20 businesses, schools, parks, transportation and social services, officials said.

Daggett Townhomes will offer 10 two-bedroom units and 14 three-bedroom units on a 1.31-acre parcel for families at or below 60% of AMI (Area Median Income.)

Moonlight Townhomes will offer 16 two-bedroom units and 13 three-bedroom units on a 1.64-acre parcel for families at or below 60% of AMI. The communities will have access to a community building to support resident functions and a fitness facility.

Funding for these desperately-needed townhomes comes from several sources. Oregon Housing and Community Services is providing $3.3 million in GHAP (General Housing Account Program) funds and the city of Bend is funding a $1.1 million Affordable Housing Loan and an SDC (System Development Charges) waiver of $300,000.

In addition to providing affordable workforce housing to 53 families, there are regional economic benefits from the projects, officials said. It’s estimated there will be over $10 million in construction-related expenses over the projects’ 10 months.

“We couldn’t be more pleased about these two new communities! And having the city of Bend be as passionate about providing workforce housing as we are is truly wonderful,” said Tom Kemper, executive director of Housing Works.