by Michael Monks
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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The development that will replace the former Jacob Price housing projects will boast eye-catching design, views of Downtown Covington & Cincinnati, pedestrian-friendly surroundings, and mixed-income tenants. It will not, however, be referred to officially as public housing. "This development is going to help change this community," said Amon Martin, development director at Atlanta-based Integral which is developing River's Edge at Eastside Pointe. Martin was in town for more work at the local level and two public forums, one for prospective local contractors to learn how to bid and another for the general community.
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| Integral's Amon Martin goes over the plans |
"This is market-rate housing with an affordability component," Martin said. River's Edge will be made up of nine 3-story apartment buildings and two one-story buildings that will house eight senior cottages. Whereas Jacob Price was entirely subsidized housing, River's Edge seeks to intermingle low-income and government-assisted tenants with those paying market rate, something Integral is committed to. "We're a for-profit company and we're going to try to get the highest rents we can," Martin said. Roughly 35% of the units will Housing Authority-assisted, roughly 25% of tenants will be those that qualify for the low-income tax credit, and the rest will be market-rate. No units will be designated for certain income groups but those percentage goals will not change. "They won't be grouped together, you won't know who's who," Martin said.
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Integral will not only develop the property but will oversee operations for at least the next fifteen years as mandated by the tax credits that support the project through the Kentucky Housing Corporation. The majority of funding comes from a federal Hope VI grant. Martin said that 95% of the development's plans have been approved by the various entities involved including the Sanitation District. Integral will meet Thursday with with building reviewers in hopes of gaining its building permits. Martin expects final financing and construction to start by the end of April.
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Eastside neighborhood leader Bennie Doggett, in attendance at Wednesday night's public meeting at the Housing Authority of Covington offices, expressed the need to build up and spruce up the properties that surround what will become River's Edge. "We want it all to look beautiful," Doggett said. Martin believes that surrounding development will arrive organically.
Eastside neighborhood leader Bennie Doggett, in attendance at Wednesday night's public meeting at the Housing Authority of Covington offices, expressed the need to build up and spruce up the properties that surround what will become River's Edge. "We want it all to look beautiful," Doggett said. Martin believes that surrounding development will arrive organically.
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"When you stand on Greenup you can see all the way to Downtown Covington," Martin said. "That's going to encourage people to walk and to get out. This is going to be a catalyst for momentum. There are vacant lots that can be developed. It will attract homeowners. Hopefully you'll see young families, entrepreneurs come in and see opportunity."
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The ambitious, attractive plans will aim to be LEED certified and its architecture will blend effectively within its historic surroundings. A new extension of Garrard Street will be included through the development. The curvy plans for the new strip of road "adds character and also you can't just shoot through," said Martin. Many trees on Greenup and Robbins Street will be preserved while new greenery and brick-paved sidewalks are added. A gazebo, seating area, and gardens for the seniors are part of the plans as is a direct link to another Covington project, the Licking River Greenway.
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River's Edge may see its first tenants eight months into construction, a project that will involve tearing down the last remaining building that was part of Jacob Price, the office. That building still stands because Jacob Price was built in 1939 and considered historic by Kentucky preservation guidelines which required an archaeological excavation of the site. Near that building, archaeologists found an old button, marbles from the early 1900s, and a cistern foundation. That prompted a halt to any more land disturbances there until a final excavation can be completed. As for the Jacob Price historical marker, it was removed and is being kept in an office until the Commonwealth determines where to place it.
River's Edge may see its first tenants eight months into construction, a project that will involve tearing down the last remaining building that was part of Jacob Price, the office. That building still stands because Jacob Price was built in 1939 and considered historic by Kentucky preservation guidelines which required an archaeological excavation of the site. Near that building, archaeologists found an old button, marbles from the early 1900s, and a cistern foundation. That prompted a halt to any more land disturbances there until a final excavation can be completed. As for the Jacob Price historical marker, it was removed and is being kept in an office until the Commonwealth determines where to place it.
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Prior to the evening meeting at the Housing Authority, Integral hosted potential local vendors at a conference room inside the Radisson Riverfront. Martin said the room was equipped to seat forty-eight and that the room was filled to standing-room only capacity. "We want to make sure we give local vendors and contractors every opportunity to bid on this project."
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