Affordable housing group thanks county officials in report of successful Chelan project

Getting Chelan Valley neighbors into affordable housing is the focus of the Chelan Valley Housing Trust (CVHT). With the assistance of local governments, the non-profit organization has been successful in their most recent development Emerson Harbour.

Located at the corner of Emerson and Nixon Streets in Chelan, Emerson Harbour has just one more home for purchase.

Chelan Valley Housing Trust Executive Director Scott Meyers shared the organization's progress with the Chelan County Commissioners Monday.

Chelan County Commissioners had previously awarded the organization a portion of local sales tax revenue, referred to as .09 funds, that rural counties can impose for economic development purposes.

"We've successfully been able to sell all units except for one and with that said, we have some money left over." Meyers told the commission. "Thank you, a huge success. We had about $58,000 in surplus, which after taxes and fees turned out to be about $50,000. We need to know what to do with that money." We can either apply it to the one remaining unit, and really get the price of that down."

"Let us know in a proposal, what you would like to do with the money," Commissioner Kevin Overbay suggested.

"There's a couple of special situations up in Chelan that could benefit from that," added Meyers. "There's a couple of really neat stories that could happen. We have a gentleman that is trying to find a home for his special needs son. If we could get the price down into their wheelhouse that would be a really cool story."

"That's great news, congratulations," Commissioner Shon Smith said. "We look forward to getting your recommendations back and take action and figure out the next step on that."

Eligibility for a  Housing Trust home is for those earning 80% of median income, and living in the Chelan and Manson School Districts.

Homes are offered for as little as zero down payment and $1,800 monthly.

Next for Chelan Valley Housing Trust, according to their website, is the proposed Chelan River Heights project, up to 40 mixed income single family homes.

Emerson Harbour homes.