Powell was one of several residents of the new apartment community located on the former Bambo Harris site to tell their stories during a grand opening celebration of the $30 million project Thursday at the Booker T. Washington Community Center that drew nearly 100 people.
Beacon Pointe — the result of a collaboration among several local and state agencies —will consist of 211 mixed income, affordable housing units once completed. The first of three phases — 60 townhomes on South Front Street — has been completed.
The project, which is being developed by Herman and Kittle of Indianapolis and operated by Butler Metropolitan Housing Authority, received a $9.6 million tax credit from the Ohio Housing Finance Authority to assist in the construction. When it is completed, Beacon Pointe will include 40 one-bedroom units; 57 two-bedroom units; 44 three-bedroom units; 10 four-bedroom units; and 60 senior living units.
The site of the project is where the former Bambo Harris Homes, a 141-unit public housing complex, stood from the 1940s until it was demolished in 2006.
Marquita Holmes, a Beacon Pointe resident, moved into her new home in September. Born and raised in Hamilton, Holmes moved away for two years, but is back now and loves the amenities Beacon Pointe offers.
“It’s like they created its own little neighborhood,” she said.
Another new townhomes resident, Annie H. Smiley, has lived in the city since 1949 and is retired from Butler County Child Protective Services. For her, she had always wanted to live in the area where the townhomes were built.
“I think the apartments are great,” she said. “I’ve always loved this spot…. It’s beautiful.”
Mayor Pat Moeller said the project was a great example when the public and private sectors collaborate.
“Good things are going on in the city and we’re blessed with organizations that form these partnerships to get this done,” he said.
Moeller said Beacon Point will provide clean, safe and affordable housing and will help to revitalize the area. He also reiterated the city’s commitment to supporting and building strong neighborhoods.
“Everyone thinks this is a great celebration to bring housing back,” said Phyllis Hitte, BMHA executive director. “It’s great to bring new affordable housing to the neighborhood.”
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