A low-income apartment project that was rejected by Madison’s elected officials but supported by state and federal housing programs is now being built on Madison’s east side. Eagle Harber Apartments is being developed by Care Net Pregnancy Center of Dane County and will provide affordable housing for up to 36 families. The official groundbreaking ceremony was held this past Sunday, March 23, 2013.
Eagle Harbor Apartments is located at 1360 MacArthur Road, next door to Care Net. The apartments will be managed by Meridian Group, Inc.
Meridian CEO Doug Strub noted the demand for low income housing by observing that 50 percent of the people who rent in Dane County pay more than 30 percent of their income for rent. “To have a daycare as a part of this project sends a message about what a quality program this will be,” he said.
A Stunning Vision
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“The vision for what’s going on here is absolutely stunning,” said Madison businessman David Gerry. “This place will provide revenue and income to help fund that home (Care Net) long after we’re gone.” The vision for the project also supports the idea of single women parents, who are helped by Care Net, finding an affordable place for their family to live at Eagle Harbor.
Gerry thanked local alderman Joe Clausius for coming to the ground breaking. Despite Clausius’ support, his fellow alders rejected city involvement in the project because of Care Net’s pro-life position, according to news reports 14 months ago.
A major portion of the funding for the Eagle Harbor construction project comes from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), with additional fuding from federal Affordable Housing Program (AHP).
Care Net Pregnancy Center of Dane County began its prolife programming for Madison area residents 29 years ago, and has been located on MacArthur Road, near the intersection of Stoughton Road and East Washington Avenue, since 2005.