DSHA breaks ground on Chapel Branch Apartments
The first phase of a project that will add 84 affordable housing units to the Lewes area officially broke ground Dec. 12.
Located in the Angola area on a 7.4-acre parcel at the corner of Route 24 and Dorman Road, Chapel Branch Apartments is being built in two phases – 42 units now, 42 more in the future – by developer Volker Development Inc. of Fond du Lac, Wis.
Amy Walls, senior principal of community reinvestment at Discover, said there’s so much need for affordable housing in the Cape Region. It’s exciting to think that this time next December, there will be holiday lights here, she said.
“It will be a wonderful way to end the year,” said Walls.
Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes, was on hand at the groundbreaking. Prior to becoming an elected official, he spent 20 years working with area nonprofits trying to find families affordable housing. Apartments like these are for people who teach the local kids and clerk at stores, he said.
It’s been more than 20 years since affordable housing was built in Lewes, said Cynthia Karnai, Delaware State Housing Authority director. That’s what is happening, and it’s so desperately needed, she said.
For the work about to begin, there will be 24 two-bedroom units and 18 three-bedroom units. Rents will range from $458 per month to $1,850 monthly. The project is being funded via private, county, state and federal funds – $2.5 million in state funding, $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, and $1 million in low-income housing tax credits.
A community building with services provided by Stand By Me and Food Bank of Delaware will also be built on-site.
Matthew Padron, managing director of development at Volker Development Inc., said site work actually began a little over a month ago, and construction will start going vertical soon. It’s going well and the first residents are expected in late 2025, he said.
