PORT TOWNSEND — A $3 million federal appropriation for Habitat for Humanity’s Mason Street affordable housing development in Port Hadlock has received the unanimous support of the Jefferson County commissioners.
“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,” the letter says.
“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.”
Jamie Maciejewski, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County, said Monday that if the funding is received, it will help put in a sewer system at the 150-home affordable housing development slated for 17.2 acres on an old airfield in Port Hadlock.
Sewer system completion is targeted for 2025, with occupation of the first homes in 2027.
“Those will be a mix of single- and multi-family and owned and rented and affordable to all who live and work in Jefferson County — hospitality, educators, healthcare, mill workers,” Maciejewski said.
“It’s a real crisis for employers who can’t maintain their businesses or expand because employees have no place to live,” she said. “These homes will be permanently affordable to those making 40 to 150 percent of the median income.”
According to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, the affordable median income for Jefferson County was $64,796 in 2022.
In exchange for the affordable housing, owners agree to limit their home’s appreciation and sell only to someone also seeking affordable housing, Maciejewski said.
Jefferson County has previously supported the Mason Street project, first with $500,000 in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds to help acquire the Mason Street property, followed by another $80,000 in ARPA funds to help fund the development of the project master plan.
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Reporter Brian Gawley can be reached at brian.gawley@peninsuladailynews.com.
