Major Affordable Housing Complex Gets Funding In West Chester

WEST CHESTER, PA — A major affordable housing project in West Chester has received significant funding from the county, officials announced Monday. The project provides permanent, affordable housing options for the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless, officials said.

The Melton Center Apartments is a $15.8 million project which will bring 51 affordable apartment units and townhomes to Market, Manor, and Worthington streets, county officials said.

“The beauty of the Melton Center Apartments project is that it represents the best in a partnership with far-reaching community benefits,” County Commissioner Josh Maxwell said in a statement. “Not only will new, affordable homes in this area broaden the mix of people who live here, work here and play here, but it is also a great connection to Chester County’s Decade to Doorways initiative." Decades to Doorways is the county's 10-year plan to end homelessness in the area.

On Monday, the county announced they awarded the project $850,000 through the HOME Investment Partnership program.

In addition, a portion of the rental income generated by the project will support programs at the Melton Center, an arts and education community center on Miner Street.

The county also announced they had approved $920,000 in funding for Red Clay Manor, a $15.9 million affordable senior housing project in Kennett Square.

"We are promoting diverse, well-rounded communities and strengthening our urban center offerings," Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz said. "The County is pleased to be a partner in backing these two developments.”

Construction on the Melton Center Apartments will begin in July and will be completed by Sept. 2021.

There will be two buildings. One will features 10 townhouses, and the other will include 41 apartments.

Parking will be provided for the apartments, and the townhouses will have garages, officials said.