Wayne County will see the construction of 82 single family homes through the Housing Accelerator Program developed and managed by the EDC of Wayne County. The grant program provides infrastructure funding for unfinished platted subdivisions. Sarah Mitchell, Economic Development Manager for the EDC says the program was strategically designed to expedite the availability of new homes by focusing development efforts within existing subdivisions. “These areas require minimal zoning and subdivision approvals and infrastructure extensions to complete the subdivision or initiate the next phase, allowing for faster construction timelines and reduced development costs.”

Nine applications were received. Based on a thorough review five eligible applications were identified. Those projects include:

Meers Estates – Unincorporated north of Cambridge City

• 17 single family homes
• Lots approximately 15,000 square feet with proposed asking price of $30,000
• Homes built on lots range in size from 1,200 to 2,000 square feet with proposed asking price between $280,000 to $325,000

 Willowbrook Place – Centerville

• 24 single family homes
• Lots approximately 12,000 square feet with proposed asking price of $30,000
• Homes built on lots range in size from 1,300 to 2,000 square feet with proposed asking price between $280,000 to $325,000

 Garwood Acres – Richmond

• 6 single family homes
• Lots approximately 17,000 square feet with proposed asking price of up to $50,000
• Homes ranging in size from 2,000 to 3,000 square feet with proposed asking price up to $450,000

 Sandbridge Hills – Richmond

• 15 single family homes
• Lots approximately 15,000 square feet with proposed asking price up to $55,000
• Homes ranging in size from 1,500 to 3,500 square feet with proposed asking price between $250,000 to $450,000

 Hidden Valley – Richmond

• 20 single family homes
• Lots approximately 14,000 square feet with asking price of $37,500
• Homes built range from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet with proposed asking price between $350,000 to $450,000.

These developments represent an investment of $26 million throughout Wayne County, leveraged by $820,000 invested from the Housing Accelerator Program with 41 new homes built in the areas of Centerville and Cambridge City and 41 new homes in the City of Richmond. Brad Dwenger, Wayne County Commissioner says he’s excited about the program. “Wayne County’s Housing Accelerator Program impacts not just Richmond but all communities, with developments in Western Wayne and Centerville, ensuring that several areas within the county benefits. With 82 homes, our program ensures the availability of move-up homes, crucial for keeping the real estate market active and vibrant across Wayne County.”  Mitchell adds, “This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to addressing local housing needs, supporting workforce retention, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents throughout Wayne County.”

Applicants needed to have five years or more experience in the development of housing units and eligible projects needed to be within communities participating in county-wide economic development through the Consolidated EDIT Fund. For profits, cooperatives, public entities, and nonprofit organizations were eligible to apply.

About the Housing Accelerator Program

This program was created in partnership with Wayne County Government and the EDC of Wayne County for the purpose of making grants available to support housing infrastructure projects in existing unfinished platted subdivisions. The grant program provides grants to support public infrastructure projects such as public streets and roads, sidewalks, and utilities in existing unfinished subdivisions. Funding for the program came from the Consolidated EDIT Fund as well as the Wayne County EDIT Fund.