Category: Housing

SEDA-COG HDC Awarded $1.7M in LIHTC for New Clinton County Property

SEDA-COG HDC Awarded $1.7M in LIHTC for New Clinton County Property

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

                Rendering shows the planned building and grounds of Flemington Manor in Clinton County, Pa.
                (Courtesy of Architectural Concepts, PC)

Lewisburg, PA — The SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has been awarded $1.7 million Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA). Additionally, PHFA conditionally reserved $1,544,557 In PennHOMES funds for the project.

This Award will be used to build Flemington Manor, a 46-unit affordable housing complex for income-eligible residents age 62 and older in Clinton County. The property will sit next to Susquehannock Heights, which was placed in service by the HDC in January of 2021.

Architectural Concepts is the architect for development, and T-Ross Brothers Construction, Inc will serve as the general contractor. The Clinton County Housing Authority, who currently manages Susquehannock Heights, will manage day-to-day operations under HDC oversight.

The HDC has secured a limited partnership with three local investors, Woodland Bank, First Citizens Community Bank, and Journey Bank, who together are committing a total equity investment of $15 million to the project.

Additional funding will be provided from the Clinton County Commissioners, Clinton County Housing Authority, Flemington Borough’s waiver of in tap-in fees, and the HDC.

“The Clinton County Commissioners are proud to support the development of Flemington Manor and are grateful for PHFA’s investment in this important project,” said the Clinton County Commissioners in a joint statement.

They added, “Affordable, age-friendly housing is a critical need in our community, and this funding represents a meaningful step forward for Clinton County’s senior residents. Through both financial support and strong partnerships with local, regional, and financial stakeholders, this project will provide safe, high-quality, and affordable housing options for individuals living on fixed incomes, while strengthening the Flemington community as a whole.”

The HDC expects to close on the deal with PHFA in Fall of 2026. Construction is expected to begin shortly after closing and will take about 16 months.

The 46-unit, 48,265-square-foot, three-story structure will offer 42 one-bedroom units, four two-bedroom units, and 4,305 square feet of community space.

“We are thrilled to bring more units to Clinton County,” said Kim Wheeler, SEDA-COG executive director and board president of the HDC. “Affordable housing continues to be a critical need in our region. We are thankful to PHFA for awarding the LIHTC to Flemington Manor and providing us the opportunity to bring more safe, quality, affordable housing to Clinton County. We look forward to moving this project forward and continuing this important work.”

About SEDA-COG
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.

SEDA-COG News Release

SEDA-COG News Release

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA – SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) has been actively investigating the potential mismanagement of two housing rehabilitation projects under our administration in the Borough of Berwick. Since discovering the potential issues in 2024, SEDA-COG reported the concerns to Borough officials and to the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (PA DCED). PA DCED conducted its own investigation, resulting in findings regarding other past contracts in SEDA-COG’s grant-funded housing rehabilitation program.

SEDA-COG has a long history of working with municipal partners to create a positive impact in the region’s communities. Over the past decade, we have managed the rehabilitation of 308 homes in 14 communities with an investment of almost $15 million. The projects affected by the DCED findings represent a small number of total contracts.

As an agency devoted to public service, we continue to remain focused on improving processes and the delivery of services to the communities and the individuals we serve. We have restructured the management of the program and are committed to working with both the PA DCED and affected municipalities to efficiently and effectively take corrective action.

The SEDA-COG Board of Directors and staff are committed to providing transparency and accountability and will continue to brief its stakeholders on our efforts to comprehensively remediate the findings.

About SEDA-COG
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.

For more information, please contact Nancy Osborn, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, SEDA-Council of Governments, at 570-254-4491 x7234 or 570-768-0525 or nosborn@seda-cog.org.

Training the Workforce

Training the Workforce

Posted on by Nancy Osborn
Are you or someone you know looking to start a career in trades?
 
This free course will help you get started. Yes, free! SEDA-COG has teamed up with SUN Tech through the Northumberland Whole Homes Repair Program to offer this training and help jumpstart careers—whether someone is new to the job market or looking for a career switch.
 
Space is limited, and applications are due by June 12, so contact SUN Area Technical Institute today! https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx…
 
This Project was financed in part by a grant from the federal Department of Treasury, under the administration of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development.
Berwick Borough Looking to Expand Waitlist for Housing Rehabilitation Grant

Berwick Borough Looking to Expand Waitlist for Housing Rehabilitation Grant

Posted on by DNS Admin

Berwick Borough is applying to the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a $300,000 housing rehabilitation grant and interested residents who live within the borough limits should apply now to get on the waiting list for the no-cost repairs.

Qualified residents may receive up to $65,000 each for home repairs. The borough will provide up to $50,000, as a no-interest loan, which will be forgiven if the property is not sold or transferred for at least five years after the rehabilitation is complete. The borough will also provide an additional $15,000 in funding that will be used to do rehabilitation work related to lead-based paint abatement or mitigation, as required.

The borough has partnered with SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) to administer the grant. Interested residents may call SEDA-COG to speak with Audrey Frederick at 570-524-4491 Ext. 7215.

Eligible repairs include structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/furnace, window replacement, radon and lead-based paint mitigation, and energy-related improvements.

Modifications for mobility-impaired residents are also eligible within this program. Homeowners must maintain home residency over a five-year period from the date of signing for this service to be received at no cost.

“SEDA-COG manages the entire process for the homeowner,” said Joel Ruch, Housing Rehabilitation Manager of the agency’s Community Services Division. Ruch continued, “Not only does the homeowner get necessary home repairs, but they also get the benefit of going through the process hassle-free as we manage the logistics from start to finish.”

Qualifications:

  • • Must live in the borough limits of Berwick;
  • • Own the home or have Life Rights to live in it;
  • • Meet income qualifications based on household size;
  • • Be current on all local taxes and municipal utility bills;
    • Provide proof of homeowner’s insurance;
  • • If located in a flood zone, must provide proof of flood insurance;
  • • Live in the home an additional five years.

Additional requirements may apply.

Annual Gross Income Limits:
Family size: 1 – $43,900; 2 – $50,150; 3 – $56,400; 4 – $62,650; 5 – $67,700; 6 – $72,700; 7 – $77,700; 8 – $82,700.