Housing Projects Advance
New affordable housing developments are advancing across multiple communities in the United States and United Kingdom.
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Key Points
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Cape Commons will be Cape Elizabeth’s first affordable-housing project in more than 50 years, and the site had been unused for more than two decades, according to developer Oscar Wilkerson.
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Town officials said Cape Commons is intended to support workforce housing and is within walking distance of local schools, a pharmacy, a grocery store and the town library.
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The 4.84-acre Palatine site previously contained a gas station and car wash that were demolished in 2021; it sits across from the Deer Grove Forest Preserve and near another residential subdivision.
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The Palatine proposal was reduced from 40 to 38 townhouses during village review, and the developer expects construction of the two- and three-story units to take 18 to 24 months.
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Palatine formally annexed the property and rezoned it as a planned development as part of the council’s approval.
Affordable housing projects are moving forward across the United States and United Kingdom, bringing new homes to workers, families, and seniors. Business Wire reported that Cape Elizabeth approved Cape Commons, which will add 18 affordable apartments and mixed-use retail space, while Philadelphia Inquirer said Philadelphia is reviewing SouthPointe, a 140-townhouse development on a former industrial site. Investing.com noted that Yorkshire Housing in the UK secured £230 million in government funding and completed over 4,000 of 8,000 planned affordable homes.
Cape Elizabeth Breaks 50-Year Housing Drought
Cape Commons marks Cape Elizabeth's first affordable housing project in more than 50 years, according to Business Wire. The development will sit on a 316 Ocean House Road site that sat unused for over two decades. The project includes 18 apartments capped at 80% of area median income—$77,920 for one person and $89,040 for two people—plus 6 live-work units and 2,000 square feet of retail space.
Town officials said the location supports workforce housing, sitting within walking distance of schools, a pharmacy, a grocery store, and the town library. Business Wire reported that Oscar Wilkerson, a development operations specialist, emphasized the project will turn the long-vacant site into essential community housing. Construction is expected to begin next year.
Philadelphia Reviews 140-Townhouse Gated Community
Philadelphia is reviewing SouthPointe, a 140-townhouse development on a former industrial warehouse lot purchased for $8.5 million, according to Philadelphia Inquirer. The project includes parking, recreation areas, expanded sidewalks, and open space. Developers originally proposed 152 units but scaled down to 140, with units arranged in 28 clusters and 141 surface parking spaces.
Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the Packer Park Civic Association approved the plan after revisions. Barbara Capozzi, head of the association, said residents were satisfied with the design. Zoning attorney Ron Patterson stated SouthPointe "fits within the character and context" of neighboring developments.
Illinois Approves Townhouses on Former Gas Station Site
Palatine approved 38 townhouses on a 4.84-acre site that previously held a gas station and car wash demolished in 2021. The village reduced the proposal from 40 to 38 units during its review process. The site sits across from the Deer Grove Forest Preserve and near another residential subdivision. Two billboards will be removed as leases expire.
Palatine formally annexed the property and rezoned it as a planned development to approve the project. Developers expect construction of the two- and three-story units to take 18 to 24 months to complete.
UK Housing Association Secures £230 Million in Funding
Yorkshire Housing in the United Kingdom reported strong financial results and secured £230 million in future grant funding under Homes England's Social and Affordable Homes Programme, according to Investing.com. The organization posted £173 million in annual turnover, up from £165 million, with an 18% operating margin and £34.7 million in operating surplus.
Investing.com reported that Yorkshire Housing completed more than 4,000 of 8,000 planned affordable homes toward its decade-long target. The organization also improved customer satisfaction, with first-stage complaints down 22 percent. Housing Today noted that high interest rates and operating cost increases continue to challenge UK housing associations despite these gains.
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