Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) Executive Director Antonio R. Riley and the Community Development Authority joined Alder Brian Solomon and the Allied Dunn's Marsh Neighborhood Association today to celebrate the opening of 32 new rental units on Allied Drive.

"Today marks another step forward for the community by providing quality, affordable housing on Allied Drive," Mayor Cieslewicz said. "This progress is another step in maintaining our commitment to working closely with the neighborhood to revitalize Allied Drive with a truly community-based effort."

The 32 units make up two apartment buildings of the development. The remainder of the 48 total units are townhouse style units that will open between August and October. All 32 apartment units have been applied for and officials anticipate most move-ins in August. Officials are also processing applications for townhouse units and expect full tenancy when all units are completed in mid-October.

In December, officials broke ground on all 48 new rental units, thanks to Low Income Housing Tax Credits from WHEDA. Over the next ten years, the project will receive a total of $9.25 million tax credits. The tax credits, which help cut project costs and provide a high level of affordability, were awarded by WHEDA through a competitive, statewide process.

Through the Allied Drive Job Fair, hosted by WHEDA and McGann Construction, 15 area residents were also hired to work on the redevelopment project.

"This development is so significant to the City of Madison and to the folks here at Allied Drive. Perhaps what I'm most proud of is that in building this structure, we gave 15 people from the surrounding neighborhood the opportunity to learn real work skills and earn a living," Riley said. "That, coupled with the fact we have a beautiful housing development, means great change and great hope for the Allied Drive neighborhood."

"Thanks to the hard work of the neighborhood and workers from the Allied Job Fair,
I'm thrilled to see these apartments open today," said Ald. Brian Solomon, who represents the Allied neighborhood. "My thanks to the Mayor, the CDA, and to WHEDA for their support - and most of all, to the Allied Dunn's Marsh Neighborhood Association for their continuing work."

"This is another step towards revitalization - we are not done yet and we the Allied residents stand ready to keep moving forward and not out!" Allied Dunn's Marsh Neighborhood Association President Florenzo Cribbs said.

"While today we look at brand new bricks and mortar and a successful real estate project, this entire process from day one has been about people," CDA Chair Gregg Shimanski said. "The focus of the CDA has been to revitalize the Allied Neighborhood and provide opportunities for neighborhood members and provide quality, affordable housing. Thanks to all our partners that include neighbors, concerned residents, vendors, contractors and so many more who have played such an instrumental role in this effort!"

"I also want to acknowledge the successful partnership between the City and State. Were it not for the leadership of Governor Doyle and WHEDA Director Antonio Riley in helping us secure Low Income Housing Tax Credits, this project would not have been possible," Cieslewicz said.

The Mayor also praised Solomon, CDA Chair Gregg Shimanski, Florenzo Cribbs, the Allied Area Task Force, and City staff for their work on the redevelopment project.