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WHEELING -- New affordable housing developments received support from members of Wheeling City Council, who on Tuesday night applauded efforts of private investors to bring these developments to fruition.
During Tuesday night's virtual meeting of city council, members heard the first reading of an ordinance to abandon a portion of Lane 25 right of way from the west side of Jacob Street to the east side of Lane E in South Wheeling. The property is the site of the proposed development of Woda Cooper Company's new Carnegie Greene senior housing project.
According to Woda's plans, the Carnegie Greene project will develop a four-story senior housing complex with 39 affordable apartment units at the site with an array of modern amenities and energy efficient appliances, along with at least 20 parking spaces.
"I believe wholeheartedly in the importance of quality and affordable housing," said Councilwoman Rosemary Ketchum, representing Ward 3, in which this project and other new housing ventures are taking place. "As a low- to moderate-income individual myself, I am confident I would not be here today if it weren't for the affordable housing options made available to me in the past."
Woda's Carnegie Greene at 39th is similar to its Carnegie Greene at 37th development that was previously approved and went under construction at 37th and Jacob streets. Both are major investments in the South Wheeling neighborhood that bring new, attractive and modern housing complexes to the area.
"This development is a net positive for the neighborhood of South Wheeling and the city overall — in part by bringing more individuals and families into the area to live, work and enjoy our beautiful community," Ketchum said. "I'm very excited for Wheeling to be able to embrace a diverse housing landscape. It's one of the issues I think we've been dealing with for many years — a lack of quality affordable housing."
Once the lane abandonment is approved following a second reading at the next city council meeting, plans can proceed utilizing the entire property.
"The main reason for the request for the lane abandonment is for additional resident safety," Tom Simons, senior vice president of development for Woda Cooper Companies Inc. "Carnegie Greene at 39th will be providing green space for its residents to use to the north of the residential building."
The alley in question currently runs between the building and the green space that will be provided, according to Woda's plans.
"If abandoned, we will be able to provide safer access to the green space without the senior residents having to worry about cars moving through the alley," Simons said. "We will be able to enlarge the green space, as well."
A few more parking spaces at the proposed complex will also be possible with the lane abandonment, Simons explained.
In other action Tuesday, city council members praised city crews for their hard work in recent days in the wake of snowy and icy blasts of winter weather. Ketchum thanked Public Works Director Russell Jebbia, Sanitation Superintendent Chris Helminski and Operations Superintendent Steve Johnston in particular for all of their hard work and leadership.
"They've done an incredible job out in the snow," Councilman Ben Seidler added. "I'm sure most of those folks have not slept very much in the last couple of weeks, and I've not received a single complaint about the quality of work they've done, so I want to thank them for that."