Integrated Housing Example

The Journal-Sentinel's Tom Daykin brings us an example of a mixed-use and mixed-income building that includes some "affordable" units.  This proposed Shorewood development by Mandel will have 84 units on upper floors with a Walgreen's on the street level.  Due to the rules regarding the tax-exempt bonds Mandel is attempting to use, 20% of the units (17) will need to be affordable to those at or below 60% of the Area Median Income.

One reason I'm very supportive of this type of development is that the affordable units financed with the bonds are more integrated than many of the typical tax-credit developments you see done through WHEDA.  Even though the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program doesn't require that ALL of the units use tax credits, there often is a financial benefit to developers in doing so. 

It is my belief that integrated housing is better for persons with disabilities, who won't be segregated into a separate building, better for low-income (moderate, really) employees who will have a chance to live in an area closer to employment opportunities, better for low-income families to have an opportunity to live in school districts  with good schools for their kids, etc.

Updated Here.