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A ceremonial groundbreaking was held recently to kick off the first phase of developing Woodland Heights -- which will consist of 10 two-unit townhomes and two single-family houses built on a cul-de-sac on Wisteria Lane in the city's far western end.
Woodland Heights' second phase is single-family homes with large acre lots, said Chris Helmrich, one of the three principals at T-Ross Brothers. The others are Todd Ross and Randy Allison, not the Williamsport City councilman or related to the councilman, Helmrich said.
Helmrich and others gathered on a sun-splashed November afternoon this week in a ceremonial first dig of the
project.
Expected to counter growing
housing shortage crisis
For those seeking upper-market-rate living standards, Wisteria Lane Townhomes are a viable option.
Officials at the groundbreaking noted that the housing development is expected to fill a growing void as more and more professionals in medicine, education, unionized employees and others look for places in the city to call Lycoming County their home.
Water pressure and service won't be a needed worry, as Williamsport Municipal Water and Sanitary Authority will provide ample water and sanitary service, Michael Miller, authority executive director, said. There are tanks and proper pressured lines that will not be a problem on the high top hill location of the housing development. It overlooks the scenic western end of the city and from there one can see the span of Bald Eagle ridge stretching to the Jersey Shore area.
The townhouses, just north and above West End Terrace, have a featured full basement and options to add 1,000 square feet of living space.
In all, 1,800 square foot townhouses for sale. For the investment one gets a two-car garage, master suite, kitchen island, granite kitchen countertops, central air conditioning, public water and sewer, first-floor decks, full unfinished basements with options to complete.
Exteriors will feature stone and siding.
The first unit construction has begun with the basement built.
Commissioner Rick Mirabito was among those taking a closer look at the construction of the first townhouse.
The city and county have contributed some fees toward the sewer and water tap-on to allow projects to be offered for sale at a lower price point, Helmrich said.
Wisteria Lane is high on a hilltop overlooking the city and Bald Eagle Mountain ridge.
Helmrich said he appreciated the Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, county, city administration, council and authority for the part in this public-private partnership to provide housing options for existing and new residents to the city and Lycoming County.
He noted how he met with Jason Fink, president and CEO of the chamber and was joined by Michael Fisher of T-Ross Brothers, to bring the project before the Williamsport City Council Finance Committee and city Economic Revitalization Committee -- in an effort to bring about this public-private partnership. Woodland Heights is meant to provide an option for those seeking upper-market-value housing.
Real-estate agents are actively marketing the property. A second phase of 50 acres will also be developed.
Commissioner Scott Metzger noted how when the county received notice it was getting $22 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds it met with developers, realtors and others on the most prudent use of the funds meant to help communities bounce back from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The county also initiated the use of Act 13 or natural gas impact fees amounting to $2 million this year and an expected $2 million of such fees in 2023.
Metzger said it is an option for those seeking to relocate from the larger metropolitan areas, to escape the high taxes, and enjoy the peace and quiet and reunions with their families such as parents and grandparents.
More housing grows the tax base and that is a win, win-win for the developer, the county and city, he said.
Mayor Derek Slaughter noted how new housing was especially needed to attract and retain those seeking upper market rate properties.
Commissioner Mirabito echoed those sentiments and added that many individuals who come to the county or live in the county are looking for new housing. These professionals and others with the means may not be looking to have a 100-year-old house renovated.
He said these townhomes and single-family homes on cul-de-sacs do not appear overnight but require a "grassroots" effort with meetings that focus on how to build such programs and support developers.
These types of housing developments also tackle a big challenge the county faces and that is a continuing loss of population, he said.
By filling these townhouses and houses and those to be built it means more taxbase, and it sends a message that the city and county remain a great place to live, work and play.
Fink offered his appreciation to the developers, who said "put their hard earned dollars and faith" in the community. He also was grateful to all who participated and looked forward to continued success for the developers as they move from Phase I to Phase II.