Massive affordable housing project underway in Portland suburb of Milwaukie

A massive affordable housing project is taking shape in the Portland suburb of Milwaukie.

Metro is calling this its largest affordable housing project, costing more than $41 million from a voter-approved bond.

The shovels were in last week, ready for workers to begin building it. The project is happening in Milwaukie where, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 1,500 people live in poverty and many more are being priced out," said Milwaukie Mayor Lisa Batey. "We do know that the younger generation of families that have lived in Milwaukie for years, the younger generation can’t afford their own places."

The project has faced a series of challenges, as it took six years for construction to begin, and many who lived in the area were not fans.

"One of the primary areas that the housing authority in Clackamas County wanted to invest in was redeveloping this site. It was old, it was outdated,” said Metro Councilor Christine Lewis.

The site was home to a World War II-era public housing project where 54 affordable homes stood until many were forced out.

"They worked over the past year to make sure every single one of those families had a place to live,” Lewis responded when asked if the people who were forced out will be able to move back in.

“When the new buildings open, they’ll be offered first opportunity to move back to their old community or they can stay where they relocated to. It’ll be their choice,” she added.

Batey said next week they are going to kick off a 15-unit cottage cluster that could make it easier for people on low income to own a home.

Meanwhile, the first phase of the apartment complex will include 275 units resulting in 500 units when it’s all done.

"It’s also about keeping families housed and keeping workforce housing for those people in the middle,” Batey said.

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News post in at: October 18, 2024, 3:02 am.

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