Statement
County Executive Leggett’s Remarks at the Beall's Grant Ribbon-Cutting & Open House
For Immediate Release: Thursday 24 May
254 North Washington Street, Rockville
As prepared
Good morning! I am glad to celebrate the developments at Beall’s Grant Apartments with Senator Cheryl Kagan, Secretary Ken Holt, and Rob Goldman, President of Montgomery Housing Partnership.
Beall’s Grant Apartments is yet another example of how the County has leveraged its resources to help preserve and create affordable housing options.
Twenty-five years ago, Montgomery Housing Partnership had the foresight to purchase two vacant buildings on this property and renovate them into 74 apartment homes.
Recently, as it became clear that the systems in the building had reached their normal lifespans, our friends at MHP reached out to us for support in upgrading the facilities.
We agreed to refinance their funding and restructure the debt, in collaboration with the State, which enabled the Montgomery Housing Partnership to access additional State funding.
Because of these financing terms, 58 of the Beall’s Grant apartment units are priced at affordable rates for residents with incomes up to sixty percent of the average median income.
With the major upgrade complete, these apartments now have a new roof, new windows, new heating and air conditioning systems, and new kitchens and baths.
Given energy-star appliances, new insulation, and green finishes throughout, residents can save money on utilities and there is less pressure on the electric grid – clear win-win scenario.
In addition to having four out of five units here priced affordably, this upgrade includes new housing opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The main entrance and five individual units are ADA-accessible to accommodate residents who use wheelchairs.
And, Rockville Housing Enterprise has provided vouchers for five units for residents with special needs.
The recent upgrade also included some very nice architectural improvements. In fact, this project won an architectural award at the recent Affordable Housing Conference.
And on top of all that, these apartments come with wonderful community amenities. The Rockville Metro and many local bus lines run nearby. We are very close to the town center, the library, and food stores. MCPS schools are just a ten-minute walk away, while Montgomery College is a twenty-minute walk.
It makes it more feasible for individuals and families to pursue opportunities when getting to work, picking up groceries, and accessing education, libraries, and entertainment are all easily accessible.
That is why I am so gratified to be here today, at yet another successful project to preserve and create affordable housing in our great County. Thank you!
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Release ID: 18-006