Standing in the driveway at 1238 Honodle Avenue, just west of Brittain Road at Newton Street, Plusquellic extolled the virtues of the City’s long-running partnership with the HBA, saying, "Our collaboration has produced the Coburn Street, City View and now Newton Crossings developments. That means we have not only partnered to build 74 affordable, new homes, but we have essentially brought three new neighborhoods into the city."

Plusquellic also noted that neighborhood renaissance projects are critical. "Market-rate housing is indeed viable in the heart of the city. These projects prove that," said Plusquellic. "Akron’s economic success is increasingly dependent on our ability to attract new residents to our neighborhoods."

The project brought together 13 builders to work on 38 homes in phases I and II of the project. Phase II will begin in May 2005. The City of Akron investment is $2.1 million in property acquisition and $1.9 million in roadway improvements.

Homes have three bedrooms, one and one half baths and two-car garages. Prices will start at $115,000, but projections are that most homes will sell for more than $125,000.

Newton Crossings is part of a larger development district called Seiberling Neighborhood Development Area that includes street improvements and technical and financial assistance for existing home rehabilitation.

Joel Stile, president of the HBA, said, "Once again the City has come up with an innovative plan, partnering with us to provide the right housing product, in the right location and at an affordable price."

Participating builders are: Testa Builders, Nicely Built Homes, UAE Corp., F.G. Ayers, Ken Gillespie Building Co., Marochino Construction Co., Steve’s Best Built Homes, Pioneer Builders, Bailey Construction, Mosely Building Company, Ederer Construction, Ohio Premier Homes and Rembrandt Builders.

For more information on this and other City of Akron/HBA partnership projects, contact Mike Mennett at the HBA at 330-869-6800.