PLCC held its 2021 annual meeting on November 17. In case you missed it, the recording is now available. Over 100 attendees joined us to hear from peers working on the ground to ensure housing stability, economic vitality, and neighborhood livability in the communities along the transit line. Thanks to all who attended, and stay tuned for more ways to engage with us!
On May 13, 2021, developers from around the region participated in a discussion about one of PLCC’s most pressing issues: how to create and preserve affordable housing in the the face of rising property values along the Purple Line. The event brought together county officials, funders, developers, and housing experts for a comprehensive conversation about what’s needed to create new affordable units.
The even featured:
→ A tour of Purple Line stations by Ralph Bennett, board president of Purple Line NOW.
→Presentations by the directors Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties’ housing development agencies about resources for affordable housing development.
→A discussion of financing sources from Enterprise Community Partners and the National Housing Trust.
→Profiles of neighborhoods and sites in the corridor that are ideal candidates for affordable housing.
→A presentation of the Villas at Langley, the apartment complex in Langley Park recently acquired by Jair Lynch.
The event was facilitated by the Housing Accelerator Action Team, a collaboration between the region’s housing agencies, housing nonprofits, and community organizations working together to realize the recommendations in the PLCC Housing Action Plan.
Materials from the event are available below.
A Quick Stations Tour of the Purple Line, Ralph Bennett of Purple Line Now
Advancing Affordable Housing in Prince George’s County, Director Aspasia Xypolia, Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development
Catalytic Financing to Support Affordable Housing, Kladé Hare of National Housing Trust and Sharon Bollers of Enterprise Community Partners
Case Study: A Commitment in Langley Park, Phuc D. Tran of Jair Lynch Real Estate Partners
Enterprise Conventional Equity Information
Enterprise New Markets Tax Credits Program
Enterprise Affordable Workforce Housing Information
Headen Spring Development LLC has issued an Invitation for Expression of Interest for the envisioned mixed-use development near the planned Kenilworth Ave/Riverdale Rd Purple Line station. A full description of the project is available here.
The project, as proposed, will include 290 units of affordable and market-rate housing. Headen Spring is an important opportunity in the context of PLCC’s goal to ensure no net loss of affordable housing along the Purple Line corridor and we are excited to see the development moving forward.
Additional information about the site and invitation process are included in the attached document. Submissions are requested by February 25, 2021. Prospective applicants are encouraged to email Lisa Butler McDougal or Simone Griffin with questions.
The Purple Line Corridor Coalition is excited to announce the newest addition to our team, Vonnette Harris, who joins as Housing Development Coordinator.
Vonnette will be responsible for identifying properties for affordable housing development and working with coalition partners to move those properties through the pipeline. “I look forward to assisting the HAAT in helping to push housing projects forward that benefit Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties’ most vulnerable populations,” she writes.
Vonnette has worked in the development of affordable housing for more than sixteen years. With experience in site selection and acquisition, feasibility, market analysis, financing, project and construction management, community engagement, and more, Vonnette will be a major asset to the PLCC in its mission to ensure no net loss in affordable housing along the corridor. Her work has included the creation of a new large scattered-site development, the construction of mid-rise developments for seniors and families, and the adaptive reuse of several historic structures into multifamily housing.
In addition to her skill and expertise, Vonnette brings personal commitment and dedication to the role of Housing Development Coordinator.
“Addressing housing inequality is one of my passions,” writes Vonnette. “I firmly believe that quality housing should be a fundamental right in this country and not a privilege.”
The Housing Development Coordinator position is made possible by the generous support of the Center for Community Investment and Kaiser Permanente through Accelerating Investments in Healthy Communities.
