DOVER, Del. – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined federal, state, and local housing officials and project stakeholders to kickoff significant renovations to an existing affordable housing apartment complex in Dover.
Senator Coons joined members of HUD, the Delaware State Housing Authority, the Dover Housing Authority, Leon N. Weiner & Associates, Inc. (LNWA), Cinnaire, and Citi Community Capital to celebrate the beginning of construction at the Owens and Queen Manor Apartments, located in Delaware’s capital at 426 South New Street.
The $29 million, 110-unit complex features aesthetic and efficiency upgrades and a backup generator made possible through utilization of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program and $1 million in congressionally directed spending. Upgrades made possible through this federal funding include renewable power, enhanced landscaping, technology upgrades and modernization of community rooms, façade improvements, and entryway canopies.
“Delawareans should be proud of the place that they call home,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.). “As rent continues to rise, it is great that this new construction project will create over 100 much needed new affordable housing units in our state. Everyone deserves more than just a roof over their head, and I will continue to make sure that residents of the First State have the resources needed to make that a reality.”
“There is a critical shortage of affordable housing in Delaware, and it’s wonderful how many Delawareans this project will help,” said Sen. Coons. “But residents also deserve the dignity of having more than just four walls, a roof, and the basics if they’re going to call it home. Communities that are affordable also deserve the opportunity to dress up.”
“Today is an exciting day for the Owens and Queen Manor Apartments, and it wouldn’t have been possible without all the partners who worked together to make it happen,” said U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.). “I’m proud to have done my part in the House to secure federal funding alongside Senator Carper and Senator Coons for this project so that we can increase affordable housing opportunities for Dover’s seniors and ensure they can age with dignity.”
"Affordable housing is a human right, and everyone deserves to have a safe and secure place to call home,” said HUD Regional Administrator Matthew Heckles. “This new complex will provide housing for 110 Delawareans, and the aesthetic upgrades will make it a more livable and inviting space.”
“It is critical for communities to preserve deeply affordable housing, especially for our seniors,” said HUD Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing Richard J. Monocchio. “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to preserving and expanding our affordable housing supply with creative solutions like those on display here in Dover.”
"The work being put into the Owens Queen Manor Apartments will address a critical housing need in Dover," said Eugene Young, Jr., Director of the Delaware State Housing Authority. "We're thrilled to be joining forces with all levels of government and our housing partners to ensure these 110 affordable apartments significantly impact the lives of Delawareans in our state's capital."
“The focal point that stands out the most is the actual number of people that could benefit from the impact of a project this size,” said Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen. “The complexes have been in need of revitalizing, so it not only benefits the constituents living there but our community overall. We are greatly appreciative of the opportunity to have this investment in Dover.”
“We believe that the preservation of existing affordable housing is of equal importance to the production of new affordable housing. We must do both,” said Sean Kelly, LNWA Executive Vice President. “We are thrilled to reinvest in these buildings to ensure affordable rents for future generations and are very appreciative of our public sector partners, including our congressional delegation.”