A new option for housing is coming to Chatham-Kent, thanks to the efforts of the team at the Opportunity Villages Community Land Trust.
Opportunity Villages, a non-profit group, is developing Chatham-Kent’s first modern life-lease small home community model at accessible pricing which is 10% below current market value in the area, Municipal officials said in a media release.
Based on the principle that affordable home ownership must include a focus on beautiful and functional houses, reducing environmental impacts, and leading the way in building a vibrant community, Opportunity Villages is redefining what it means to have a smaller home.
“In the past, smaller homes were often referred to as wartime houses and were perfect for first time home buyers, small families and those who were looking to retire and downsize,” stated Councillor Karen Kirkwood-Whyte, in a media release.
“We’re taking the idea of wartime houses and updating it by mixing it together with the vast improvements in building materials, construction technology, and the innovations developed over the past 60 years.”
Councillor Kirkwood-Whyte added: “This results in a home that is more cost effective to own, live in, and maintain.”
In addition to building quality homes for sale at an affordable price, Municipal officials say the project is ensuring that owners are provided with the opportunity to reap the benefits of a cohesive neighbourhood feel.
“A great deal of care and attention is being paid to balancing the space for individuals with the flow and feel of the neighbourhood,” stated Rose Linseman of RAD Studio, in a media release.
“We know that good communities plan for the people who live there, while exceptional communities make investments that bring people together; and we’re building for exceptional.”
While the project is still in the early stages of development, the land at 10 Taylor Avenue, Chatham has already been purchased, zoning updates are being reviewed, and partners such as the Municipality of Chatham-Kent have stepped forward to commit resources to see the development move ahead, Municipal officials say.
“We’re well past the dreaming stage and are running at full speed towards finishing the final site plans and getting ready to have some shovels in the ground as soon as possible,” stated Steve Pratt, Board President of the OVCLT, in a media release.
“There are approximately 30 houses that will be available. We are reaching out to the community now to gather expressions of interest which will help inform our final decisions.”
By visiting the website at www.ovclt.ca people interested in the housing project will be able to provide their contact information and also sign up for updates, including unit floor plans and when and how to purchase.
