The Grand Opening of Victoria Park at North East, 520 So. Main Street, North East, MD 21901, was held on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at 3:00 pm.
Speakers included:
+ David R. Lewis, President & CEO, Osprey Property Company
+ Mary Ann Henderson, Director, Baltimore Hub, U.S. Dept. of Health and Urban Development
+ Mary Burkholder, Assistant Secretary, Maryland Dept. of Housing & Community Development and
Director, Community Development Administration
+ Robert F. McKnight, Mayor, Town of North East
The community event was attended by local, state and federal government representatives along with members of private companies and investors who were involved in the many aspects of the project. After the welcoming re-marks and speeches, there was be a ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by refreshments. A community tour of the public areas and a private apartment also was available.
Background Information
Victoria Park at North East is a partnership between Osprey Property Company, Habitat America and Affinity Health Alliance, Inc. The $5.4 million project of 50 affordable senior apartments is located near the town center and provides easy access to shops, restaurants and retail services along the Main Street corridor. Victoria Park offers quality independent living for adults 55 and over and income guidelines apply. Rents for one and two-bedroom apartments range from $625 to $740 per month. The community is 100% leased.
The attractive three-story wood framed building has a brick and vinyl exterior. The landscaping, outdoor lighting and walking path enhance the lovely view of the creek running behind the building. The professionally decorated interior offers generous amounts of light and well-appointed furnishings.
An elevator provides quick and easy access to spacious apartments with many amenities designed for charm, com-fort and accessibility. Apartments include a full service kitchen, frost-free refrigerator, dishwasher, disposal and abundant cabinet and counter space. Other amenities include wall-to-wall carpeting; individually controlled air conditioning and heating; wiring for cable, internet and telephone; and emergency pull cords for the safety of the residents. Ten percent of the units are handicap accessible.
Community amenities include a two-story lobby, library and sitting area, resident community room, fitness room and game room. Resident services include wellness seminars, arts & crafts, holiday parties, card and game nights, educational seminars, grandchildren programs and many other activities.
The project financing was provided a combination of federal tax credits awarded by the Maryland’s Community Development Administration, a Community Development Block Grant applied for by the Town of North East, a private loan by AGM Financial and a PILOT by Cecil County. Zemaitis and Associates were the architects and Hamel Builders were the general contractor. Habitat America LLC, was the project co-sponsor and is now the property manager.