The Washington Post, Wednesday, May 15, 2002
Alexandria to Aid Nonprofit Builder

Alexandria's City Council voted last night to assist a nonprofit developer with a government-subsidized $300,000 loan to preserve affordable housing at Lynhaven Apartments.

Wesley Housing Development Corp. Inc. signed a contract in March to acquire the 28-unit garden apartment complex at Commonwealth and East Reed avenues.

In exchange for the city's aid, the nonprofit, in partnership with an Alexandria homeless shelter, pledged to renovate the complex and set aside 16 units for people who make as much as half the area's median income, or $43,500. The Carpenter's Shelter pledged $250,000 for four apartments that would be used as transitional housing. The remaining dwellings would be offered at market rates to people who earn up to 100 percent of the median income.

Several neighbors spoke out against the plan, saying their part of town has absorbed too much low-income housing. Members of several neighboring civic associations expressed anger that there was no public debate on the issue last night.

City staff previously approved an additional $25,000 in loan assistance that does not require council approval.