Developers address concerns surrounding Broadway Commons project

LORAIN — Developers and proponents of a permanent supportive housing complex in Lorain took questions and concerns from community members Thursday evening. Broadway Commons, a proposed 62-unit apartment building slated for East 21st Street and Broadway, would be the first of its kind for chronically homeless individuals in Lorain. It would be the second permanent supportive housing project in the county with EDEN Inc. and CHN Housing Partners spearheading the development under the "housing first" model, lowering barriers to house qualified individuals while connecting them with on-site services. The first, Bridge Pointe Commons in Elyria, opened earlier this year through a partnership between EDEN and PIRHL, another Cleveland-based developer. Broadway Commons would house 50 individuals and 12 veterans and have 24-hour on-site management, secured access and the potential to spur investment in the area, CHN Executive Director Kevin Nowak said. Residents questioned what that economic development could be, and whether the project fits into the city's plan five, 10 or 20 years down the line. The sticking point for many was the location. While Nowak and EDEN Inc. Executive Director Elaine Gimmel and other staff defended the location choice as it offers access to grocery stores, transportation and other amenities to residents, opponents argued it could damage those nearby businesses. Fligner's Market has threatened to move out of the area if the apartment building is built, said Councilwoman Mary Springowski, D-at Large. Local developer Jon Veard had concerns on the price tag for the project. "The city faces a difficult situation because they have a need to serve the lowest of our group," he said. "They need help, But at what cost?" He said he used to let some of the homeless individuals on Broadway into his businesses to wash up, but had to stop that practice after those individuals trashed the bathrooms, or were found masturbating in stalls during the day. Still, he was in favor of helping those in need — but like many others, questioned the location. The $9.7 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits the project already received is tied to its location. The project is estimated to cost about $14 million. Councilwoman Victoria Kempton, D-2nd Ward, questioned the low number of parking spaces proposed — only 20-some spots for the 62-unit building. Nowak said many of the residents they serve don't have cars, so there is a lower need for a large parking lot. The project will require a conditional use permit, and a variance for the number of parking spots it wishes to construct. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.