Multi-Family Housing Proposed for Grace Drive

Howard County’s prime location has created high housing demand and prices resulting in the need for more affordable housing options. To help meet this need, the Howard County Housing Commission (HCHC) and Woda Cooper Companies are partnering to develop Robinson Overlook, a mixed income, multi-family rental housing community on 3.8 acres at 7410 Grace Drive. The plans for the community were presented to the Association’s Board of Directors on July 9.

Woda specializes in developing and operating multi-family, rental housing. Since its formation in 1990, the company has developed properties in 15 states, including projects in western Maryland and Baltimore City. Their model is to own and manage the properties over the long-term. HCHC’s mission is to “provide safe, quality, affordable, and sustainable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families who live or work in Howard County and to assist them in moving toward economic independence.” The Commission will manage onsite programming such as financial literacy classes and after school programs for the community’s residents.

Woda will finance the development through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits awarded by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. By selling the tax credits to private, institutional investors, Woda takes on less debt and in turn can charge lower rents. The Robinson Overlook design consists of five buildings with a total of 48 back-to-back stacked units that range in size from 1- (718 sf) to 3- bedrooms (1398 sf). On site amenities will include a community room, computer lab, and tot lot. At this time, 43 targeted income units and 5 market rate units are planned. Household income levels for the 43 targeted income units will range from $20,160 (30% Area Median Income (AMI)) to $61,500 (60% AMI).

Woda has already submitted a Tax Credit application and expects to begin the county development review process in late summer/early fall. A pre-submission community meeting will be scheduled. When the meeting is scheduled, the Association will publicize the information. Members of the community who are interested in this project may view the July 9 presentation at Robinson Overlook Presentation 2018-07-09  River Hill residents may provide feedback to the Association at a Board meeting, by calling Renée DuBois (Development Advisory Committee, Chairperson) at 443-686-0702, or by emailing manager@villageofriverhill.org.