‘AN AMAZING PROJECT’

Work on affordable housing project in West Chester on schedule despite rise in cost of materials

WEST CHESTER >> Construction of 51 affordable housing apartment and townhouse units is well-underway at the Charles A. Melton Arts and Education Center.

Work is under roof for the 41 apartments, with mechanical, plumbing and electrical work underway. Framing is expected for the 10 townhouses, which will host garages on the ground floor, within the next two weeks.

The two building complex at Market, Miner and Worthington streets, where a formal December 2020 groundbreaking was held on a 2.5 acre site, is scheduled for completion early next year.

National pandemic related material price increases have upped the projected $15.4 million cost of what will be known as the Pinckney Hill Commons, but will have no impact on rent or what residents are offered.

Lumber prices are up 171 percent since the start of the pandemic, despite production hitting a 13-year high. Raw, bare steel surged about 75 percent since last summer due to shortages resulting from pandemic-driven supply chain issues. Nearly three out of four contractors say they’re facing at least one building material shortage.

Weather and delays securing materials are possible but not expected, according to Tracy

Patches, Director of Development for Church Housing Corp. of Phoenixville, which will collect 51 percent of the income, while partner Melton Center holds a 49 percent stake.

“We are excited with the progress and can’t wait to start the partnership with the Melton Center offering the community affordable housing,” Patches said.

The Melton Center will provide a wide variety of educational, recreational and fun programming.

The mixed-income work force housing rental community apartments will feature one, two, three and four bedroom units and the townhouse renters will enjoy three or four bedrooms.

“The upcoming affordable housing through the Melton Center is an amazing project,” Mayor Jordan Norley said. “West Chester is a diverse borough, and diversity comes in many forms, including economic diversity.

“We must meet diversity with equitable actions fit for each and every resident; this new housing option is a win for the people in need, a win for the Melton Center, and a win for the West Chester com

BILL RETTEW — MEDIANEWS GROUP Construction continues for affordable housing at the Melton Center.

BILL RETTEW — MEDIANEWS GROUP Work continues for affordable housing at Melton Center.