Affordable Housing Breaking Ground in Jackson
By Mary Erickson
In mid-August, I attended the groundbreaking for the Jackson Street Apartments, across from the Snake River Brewery. This project has been a long time in the works, and it is exhilarating to see it finally happening. This project began many years ago with a series of conversations with Ian and Annette Cumming, as they worked to figure out the best use of the tract of land they owned on W. Hansen from S. Jackson to S. Millward. Ian wanted to do something that would benefit the community that he loved, and the obvious choice was affordable housing. It turns out that the County owned most of the land on the Southern side of that block, so after much conversation, an amazing public/private partnership was born that can serve as a model for future projects.
The Jackson Apartments will include 57 100% deed restricted rental apartments – 14 will be for people earning 0-50% AMI, 14 will be for 50-80% AMI, and 15 will be for 80-120% AMI. (For more information what that means: Read this article). This is truly groundbreaking!
Ian’s dream was to create a rental property for lower income families that honored the dignity of the people who would live there. He wanted the apartments to be sunny and roomy, with no living space below grade. He wanted to give people ample storage and communal outdoor space. He wanted it to be beautiful and gracious. He wanted this project to serve as an example to the community of what is possible.
Ian passed away in early 2018, and it is thanks to the commitment of his wife, Annette, and his sons, John and David, that the project has continued. Ian was a humble man, and would not want a lot of fanfare, but this project is a testament to his generosity and love of community. Philanthropy alone will not put enough homes on the ground to solve our housing crisis, but it is a critical piece of the puzzle.
I was honored to call Ian a friend, and I know he would be thrilled today that his dream is coming to fruition.
Housing-focused Candidate Forum
If you are as passionate about this community and affordable housing as I am, join me on August 30th for a candidate forum hosted by Shelter JH, a local housing advocacy organization (full disclosure – I am a co-founder and serve as board chair for Shelter JH), in partnership with ActNow JH and Sunrise JH, two local organizations focused on social justice in our community. All candidates running for Town Council and the Board of County Commissioners have been invited to participate in this forum.
Tuesday, August 30 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. in Hansen Hall at St. John’s Episcopal Church
