HomeMy WebLinkAbout022624 - Letter re: $3 Million for Mason St. Neighborhood Affordable Housing p� Co MSs Board of County Commissioners
/e °U�,t, 1820 Jefferson Street
/ . PO Box 1220
Port Townsend WA 98368
IS �O� Kate Dean,District 1 Heidi Eisenhour,District 2 Greg Brotherton,District 3
TII�,O
February 26, 2024
Jamie Maciejewski, Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County
P.O. Box 658
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Subject: Support for$3 Million in Federal Appropriations for the Mason St Neighborhood
Affordable Housing Development in Port Hadlock, Jefferson County
Director Maciejewski,
We are writing to express Jefferson County's strong support for your request of$3 million in
federal appropriations towards completing the initial phase of Habitat for Humanity of East
Jefferson County (Habitat EJC)'s Mason St Neighborhood in Port Hadlock. This transformative
project comprising 150 permanently affordable mixed-income homes is a gamechanger for our
rural county on the Olympic Peninsula.
Habitat EJC's Mason St.Neighborhood aligns seamlessly with Jefferson County's urgent need
for high-quality, accessible, and inclusive homeownership opportunities for the local workforce,
from service workers through emergency, education, and healthcare professionals. By addressing
the affordable homeownership needs of individuals and families across various income brackets
up to 150%AMI,this development will significantly contribute to the overall well-being and
stability of our community.
The Mason St.Neighborhood will benefit the greater Jefferson County community in the
following ways:
Permanently Affordable Homeownership: The commitment to maintaining affordability in
perpetuity ensures that the benefits of this project will endure for generations to come.
Mixed-Income Model: The project's focus on serving a mix of incomes, including those below
80%AMI and middle incomes of 80-150%AMI,fosters socio-economic diversity and promotes a
vibrant and inclusive community.
Sustainable Development: The master plan incorporates sustainable and environmentally
friendly design principles, aligning with our community's commitment to responsible urban
development.
Phone (360) 385-9100 Fax(360) 385-9382 jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us
Community Engagement: The development process led by Habitat for Humanity of East
Jefferson County has been marked by extensive community engagement, ensuring that the project
is responsive to the unique needs and preferences of our residents and rural community profile.
The $3 million in federal appropriations sought by Habitat EJC for this project is crucial in
advancing its development and bringing these much-needed affordable homes to fruition. This
funding will not only support the construction of the physical infrastructure but also contribute to
the economic vitality and resilience of our community.
On behalf of Jefferson County, we urge our congressman and senators to consider the long-term
benefits that Habitat's Mason St Neighborhood will bring to Jefferson County and allocate the
necessary federal appropriations to support its successful completion. Their commitment to this
project will not only address our community's housing challenges but will also stand as a
testament to their dedication to creating sustainable, equitable, and thriving neighborhoods and
communities.
Please let us know how we may further support Habitat EJC's crucial efforts to increase
affordable homeownership in Jefferson County. We look forward to the positive impact that
federal support for the Mason St Neighborhood will have on our community.
Sincerely,
Kate Dean, Dist. No. 1 Heidi Eisenhour, Dist.No. 2 Greg Brotherton, Chair, Dist.No. 3