BY PEPPER FISHER
Carlsborg – Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County is on a roll.
On the heels of last year’s groundbreaking ceremony in Sequim where the organization plans to build 50 affordable workforce housing units, Habitat announced they had purchased a derelict property in Port Angeles with plans to build a 4-plex for veterans. That project is nearing completion.
Now comes the news that Habitat has closed on 7.7 acres in Carlsborg, where they plan to build more than 45 affordable homes.
Executive Director Colleen Robinson says they expect to begin groundwork on the pastureland on Mill Road in Carlsborg, just down the road from Sunny Farms, in the coming spring. In fact, because they have a head start on the new property, Robinson says they should be able to finish the development even before the Sequim project.
Robinson says developer Logan Hammon approached her in the spring with the idea of selling the land to Habitat because he wanted see the property be used for affordable housing, but it didn’t pencil out for a for-profit company to build it.
“So, he came to Habitat with this property that was quite far along in the process with the County. And at first I was like, “We’ve got plenty on our plate, but I’ll take it to the board.” And so he presented at the May board meeting. And at the June board meeting, we came up with numbers and a plan of how to get the funding, and then they voted in June, “Let’s move forward.” And it took until this month, as it always does, for us to close the deal.”
Robinson says the Geotech testing and SEPA work is already completed on the property, and the Sequim City sewer and water hookups are already in place. The plan is to build about 45 affordable workforce homes, and the location is definitely family friendly.
“So within walking distance to catch Clallam Transit, right there on the 101. You can walk to Sunny Farms and get your groceries. Kiddos can walk to Greywolf Elementary. So, we just felt like the location was absolutely ideal for families who are living and working either in Port Angeles or Sequim would be just fine to settle here.”
Robinson says the development will have a special name for a very special reason.
“Frances Lyon, who was a longtime resident of Sequim, left us a really large bequest. And because of that quest, we were able to move forward with this purchase. And so, we will be naming the community Lyons Landing in honor of Frances.”
Robinson says the plan is to have 4-bedroom, 3-bedroom and duplexes available.