Beacon Communities initially proposed a mix of public housing (replacing all 50 existing), affordable, and market rate apartments. Based on resident and community feedback, we have changed to an all affordable approach—a mix of public housing and affordable housing for very low income and working households. The redeveloped Leefort Terrace will be 100% affordable rental housing as follows -
All 124 units will be deed-restricted restricted for 99 years The incomes of households living at the new development will be restricted to:
The 50 replacement units will be further restricted as public housing units for 99 years
All 124 units will have a Project-Based subsidy, which:
The residents of Leefort Terrace are a mixture of diverse and unique elderly and/or disabled individuals. Many current residents have lived at Leefort Terrace for many years and have experienced the deterioration of their living conditions over time. These residents are crucial members of the Salem community and the redevelopment of Leefort Terrace is helping them get the modern and updated homes that they deserve.
Current residents will be temporarily relocated offsite during construction, all residents in good standing will have the right to return to the newly redeveloped Leefort Terrace. Beacon and SHA will be responsible to cover all costs associated with relocation. A housing relocation consultant, Housing Opportunities Unlimited, that will work individually with each resident throughout the entire relocation process to help them find the best fit for their temporary relocation needs. Upon return to the new building, Leefort Terrace residents will continue to pay 30% of their income towards rent, including utilities, as they do today.
The new building will include a large community room with a kitchen and area for computer learning, a fitness center and a wellness office with an exam room. A full time Resident Services Coordinator will oversee a plethora of activities and services to support residents to thrive in all areas of their lives.
Beacon will hire a full time Resident Services Coordinator (RSC) during the relocation period who will a work to keep Leefort Terrace residents connected and engaged, and to connect them with services in the community that they may benefit from. The RSC will get to know residents and create a customized benefit a plan to meet their needs. Expected resident engagement activities during the temporary relocation period will include:
Once residents are relocated back to Leefort Terrace, the full time Resident Services Coordinator will expand on the engagement activities above. Depending on the needs of the residents they will also offer additional services such as: