Photo description: EDA-COG’s Leslie Osgood joins resident Roberta Meiser and Todd Ross of T-Ross Brothers Construction for the ceremonial first swing of the sledgehammer, marking the start of renovations at Market Street Manor.
Lewisburg, PA – Public officials and development partners gathered Monday, Oct. 6 with the SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to celebrate the official kickoff of a major preservation and renovation project at two properties, Market Street Manor and High Street Manor, in Snyder County.
The event marked the beginning of a $13.4 million investment to preserve and improve the housing complexes, ensuring safe, quality, affordable housing remains in our region for years to come.
Without this investment, the long-term viability of the building, and the ability to continue serving our residents, would have been increasingly at risk. This preservation effort safeguards not only the structure of the buildings, but also ensures we can continue to provide affordable, independent living options.
With a growing waitlist of older adults seeking housing, maintaining and improving existing units is essential to meeting community needs and avoiding more costly institutional alternatives.
Renovations are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. The project will add 2 new units and include major upgrades to mechanical systems and HVAC. Exterior improvements will feature new roofing, siding, windows, and doors. Interior renovations will include full-size stoves, walk-in showers, new refrigerators, and updated flooring.
While the facility is independent living and does not provide direct care, a robust service plan will be implemented in partnership with the Union-Snyder Area Agency on Aging. This plan will bring supportive services on-site to assist residents with various needs.
An internal rent subsidy will also be introduced to help ensure affordability for very low-income residents.
The celebration featured opening remarks and acknowledgments from Kim Wheeler, executive director of SEDA-COG and chair of the HDC board of directors. Leslie Osgood, rental housing program chief at SEDA-COG, followed with an overview of the project’s scope. Attendees were then invited to share their own reflections and remarks, creating a meaningful moment of connection and shared purpose.
“I’m very excited to be in Selinsgrove this afternoon on behalf of Executive Director Wiessman and PHFA Board of Directors to celebrate the start of the preservation,” stated Logan Minnich, lending analyst at PHFA.
Minnich continued, “PHFA is very happy to be a funder in this much needed rehab which will preserve quality, affordable housing for the residents.”
Representatives from the offices of State Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver and State Representative David Rowe were attendance, underscoring the broad support for preserving affordable senior housing in Snyder County.
Snyder County Commissioner Adam Ewig spoke on behalf of the Commissioners stating, “affordable senior housing options in Snyder County are limited, so it’s encouraging to see this project preserved — and even expanded with 2 additional units. Housing affordability is essential to human flourishing, and we’re proud to help keep residents here in the county.”
Funding and support for the project include:
- $742,680 in PennHOMES (Federal HOME) funds awarded by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA). In addition, PHFA also approved $1.067 million in tax credits, expected to generate about $9.1 million in equity, and authorized the transfer of an existing $1.3 million PennHOMES loan to the development.
- $32,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the Snyder County Commissioners.
- $25,000 in CDBG funds and $75,000 from the Rudy Gelnett Trust, allocated by the Borough of Selinsgrove.
- $9.18 million in private investment from Fulton Bank.
- $1.6 million investment from the SEDA-COG HDC.
“Together, these contributions represent more than just dollars—they reflect a deep and shared commitment to preserving these communities for the long term,” stated SEDA-COG Executive Director Wheeler.
Wheeler continued, “Every partner, every advocate, every dollar has helped bring us to this moment. And while today marks the official kickoff, it’s also a celebration of what we can achieve when we work together.”
About SEDA-COG Housing Development Corporation
The SEDA-COG Housing Development Corporation coordinates projects to acquire land, secure financing, and oversee construction of rental housing for the region’s 62+ population, particularly those living on fixed incomes. The organization also manages its rental communities, ensuring continued access to safe, quality, affordable housing in the SEDA-COG region.
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.