North Huntingdon supports low-income housing for seniors

The North Huntingdon commissioners have agreed to support the Westmoreland County Housing Authority’s application for low-income tax credits that would be used to finance a proposed housing project for senior citizens in Irwin and North Huntingdon.

The commissioners on Feb. 17 agreed to send a letter of support for the housing authority’s bid for the tax credits available through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. It is likely the housing authority will not learn whether its application for the tax credits was approved until late summer or early fall, said Michael Washowich, executive director of the housing authority.

In the first phase of the project, the housing authority wants to build in Irwin a four-story apartment building containing 50 units for the income-eligible senior citizens. The building will be located on property off Laurel Avenue and behind the Norwin Public Library on Caruthers Lane, Washowich said.

In the second phase of the Grand View Senior Residences, about 38 patio homes are planned for a portion of the property in North Huntingdon.

Washowich said the project is in the planning stages and the authority is not ready to release the name of the developer.

The Norwin School Board, Westmoreland County and Irwin Borough have approved an agreement with the housing authority to accept an annual payment of $11,150 for the next 40 years, to be divided among the three taxing bodies. In return, the school district, Irwin and county agree not to challenge the non-profit charitable status of the developer of the project.