South Lorain could see first new housing development in decades

LORAIN — Residents near Oakwood Park could have new neighbors by next year. Oakwood Park Estates, on the sites of the former Whittier Junior High and Lowell Elementary buildings, is slated to bring 37 market-rate, affordable houses to the area. United Property Management Company owner Jon Veard purchased the property about a year ago when it went to auction and plans to build Victorian-style, three-bedroom homes to match the surrounding housing stock, as South Lorain is the oldest part of the city. "Our experience in South Lorain has been good in the past and we know that there's a group of people that love South Lorain and sometimes it gets a black eye, but it's not true," he said. "There's good neighborhoods over there and the neighborhood surrounding that piece of land is very well maintained." The parcels are between Seneca and Clinton avenues and East 32nd and 33rd streets. The houses will face East 32nd and 33rd, with an alleyway running in the back off Seneca and Clinton for residents to access their garages, as well as for trash and other services to maintain curb appeal. Homes are expected to run $130,000 to $150,000, and Veard is working with the city and local nonprofits like El Centro for down payment assistance programs, allowing the homes to be affordable for the "$12-to-$15-an-hour guy." He said he also is looking into the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Good Neighbor Next Door program, which encourages members of certain professions, like teachers and safety services, to help revitalize communities through home ownership. The estimated $4 million to $4.5 million investment will go hand-in-hand with plans Mayor Jack Bradley has stated to rehabilitate the old Oakwood Park pool to bring more recreation options into the area. Councilman Rey Carrion, D-6th Ward, said the project is "fantastic," and will allow working class families from South Lorain who left for other parts of the city to move back to the area. Living in South Lorain since the late 1970s, he said this is the first housing development proposed since he's been there. "I've received many calls since my post on this a few days ago and many people are interested in these homes. In fact I am, I'm interested myself in one of them," he said. "A lot of people have moved to the west side and came back to South Lorain because it's not the same. The homes are newer on the west side, but it's a totally different feel, it's a totally different DNA, if you're from South Lorain to not being from South Lorain." The Victorian facades will match surrounding housing stock, dating from the early 1910s to 1920s, with a more modern, open interior, Carrion and Veard explained. Homebuyers will be able to select from two different styles and customize interior and exterior finishes. Veard's goal is to have two model homes by fall. For more information on property listings, call United Property Management Co. at (440) 245-2813. The project is still in its beginning stages and has yet to go before the city's Planning Commission or Council for approval. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.