(HARRISBURG) Nov. 21, 2023 –Two iconic brick buildings in the heart of Newport will benefit from much-needed safety and accessibility upgrades, thanks to funding just approved by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) for Tri-County Housing.
The funding will preserve the charm while improving the safety and function of both the Newport Hotel Apartments and Newport Square Apartments, two senior housing properties located around Newport Square.
The grants are part of the second round of Housing Options Grant Program funding comprising $98 million in total statewide assistance for emergency repair, preservation, and new construction of 3,377 affordable rental units. More than $250 million in projects were submitted as requests for funding, with only $98 million actually available.
The amounts awarded in Perry County are:
- Newport Hotel Apartments $714,095
- Newport Square Apartments $615,127
The first building, the three-story, red brick-faced Newport Hotel Apartments, located at 2 North Second Street, is a senior living facility featuring 13 apartments (three of which are handicapped accessible) and two commercial spaces. Some of the systems, including appliances, HVAC systems, and alarm systems are at the end of their useful life.
The units are approximately 20 years old and showing signs of deterioration. They need updated heat pumps. with both higher electrical and energy efficiency. Seams on the rubber roof are dry rotting and cracking, and areas need to be resealed to keep out water. The carpet is more than 20 years old and very worn, with seams separating and presenting a serious tripping hazard for older residents. Luxury vinyl plank would be flatter, safer and hygienic, TriCo Housing officials say. Twelve bath tubs also need to be retrofitted to make them easier for seniors to enter to prevent dangerous falls. The exterior and alarm system are also in need of repairs.
The second building, the painted brick-faced Newport Square Apartments, conveniently located at 9 South Second Street, provides three-story senior living, with 11 apartments and two commercial spaces. The space was last renovated 23 years ago, with appliances and the HVAC system approaching the end of their life expectancy.
Repairs are also urgently needed to the roof and flooring in the common areas. The sprinkler system in the attic is also a concern, leading to rusted pipes and water damage. The exterior brick is painted and is beginning to deteriorate as well.
“Expanding affordable housing in Pennsylvania does not mean only building new units,” said Gary Lenker, Executive Director of Tri-County Housing, formerly Tri-County Housing Development Corporation (TCHDC). “Also key to our mission as a nonprofit is preventing our current affordable housing stock from falling into disrepair and being taken out of the available housing stock. “
This is the first year of the program which will fund needed repairs to existing affordable rental units, the rehabilitation and preservation of currently existing affordable apartments, and the construction of new affordable rental units, Lenker explained. Funding for the program comes from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, which the General Assembly then designated for PHFA to disburse for the program.
Lenker added, “We are truly excited about this funding to two Perry County landmarks, a beloved area in need of improvements as time takes its toll on the safety, appearance and function of our two of our most vital structures in Newport. We are honored to be able to provide these upgrades to the seniors in Newport and are so grateful for this funding from state lawmakers.”
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WHO WE ARE: Tri-County Housing was formerly Tri-County Housing Development Corporation (TCHDC). Tri-County/TCHDC has served Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry Counties for 33 years. Since 1990, they have developed or rehabilitated more than 800 units of affordable housing, for both rent and purchase. They specialize in rehabilitation and redevelopment projects as well as new home construction. Tri-County rehabilitates abandoned and blighted properties in the City of Harrisburg and throughout Dauphin and Cumberland Counties. In addition, they are a HUD-certified Homebuyer Counseling Agency that provides a monthly eight-hour course to first-time homebuyers. Recent successful projects include affordable homes for sale in the South Allison Hill neighborhood of Harrisburg, on both Hummel Street and Swatara Street, along with properties on Frank S. Brown Boulevard in Steelton Borough and East South Street in Carlisle.
CONTACT: Diane McNaughton [email protected] 717-303-8320
