Chesapeake city employees can get good deal on homes

By Mike Saewitz
The Virginian-Pilot
© February 9, 2009

WESTERN BRANCH

City employees and teachers could have a good shot at buying a three-bedroom Western Branch home for as low as $155,000, under a new work force housing initiative started by the Chesapeake Redevelopment & Housing Authority.

The housing authority will sell two homes to city and school employees who have five or more continuous years with the city and rise to the top of the application process. They also must be first-time home buyers with a gross income that does not exceed $63,000 for a one- or two-person household, or $73,000 for a household of three or more.

City officials say the program could be a terrific opportunity for employees to get a good deal on their first homes.

"This is unique to Hampton Roads," said Dewayne Alford, the deputy executive director of the housing authority. "We don't know that anyone has taken this approach."

There could be tough competition for the two homes, Alford said. The housing authority will score the applicants by factors such as years of service. Police officers, firefighters and teachers will get an additional point in the scoring process. The top two scorers will have an opportunity to buy the homes, which could be under construction by June.

Applications are due by April 3 to the housing authority. But those who turn them in sooner may get an edge if there are ties in the scoring process, officials say. Alford has recei ved one application so far. The selection will be made by mid-May.

Those who are selected will have the choice of two models. One will cost $155,000, and the other is slightly bigger and will cost $165,000, Alford said.

Applications may be picked up at the housing authority's central office at 1468 S. Military Hwy. Those with questions may call the authority at 523-0401.

The housing authority will host a series of informational sessions about the program:

- Noon Feb. 10 at the Major Hillard Library in Deep Creek

- 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Russell Memorial Library in Western Branch

- Noon Feb. 17 at the South Norfolk Memorial Library

- 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Indian River Library

- Noon March 2 at the Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Library

- 6:30 p.m. March 16 at the Greenbrier Library.

Mike Saewitz, 222-5207 or mike.saewitz@pilotonline.com

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