The grand opening for the Nordic Cottages in Poulsbo was held Sept. 16, marking completion of the first city-backed affordable housing project.
The development, located at the “Triangle Property” on Lincoln Road, consists of 8 one-bedroom apartments that are about 500 square feet, and many are ADA-compliant. Other amenities of the development include solar panels to help lower utility costs, a gazebo and a community garden for residents. The apartments, which will be managed by Housing Kitsap, are for low-income seniors and low-income adults with disabilities who fall below 30% Area Median Income (about $28,000).
At the Sept. 10 Poulsbo City Council meeting, Housing, Health and Human Services director Kim Hendrickson said over 100 people applied for the eight units in the first few days that applications became open. She said many of them were deemed ineligible due to issues with their applications, so she expects there to be about 80 legitimate applicants.
Specifically, the apartments are for low-income seniors aged 55 and older or adults with disabilities. Hendrickson said there are certain criminal charges that would deem someone ineligible and added that at least one person living there has to be a U.S. citizen.
Once applicants pass the eligibility threshold, priority is then given to people who have the lowest incomes, and also to applicants who live or work in the Poulsbo area (Suquamish, Keyport or Poulsbo zip codes). If everyone is equally eligible, Hendrickson said preference will go to the person who submitted the application first. The selection process is ongoing. City administrator Rob Gelder said at the Sept. 17 council meeting that tenants likely won’t be moving into the cottages until the beginning of November.
“It felt really good to get that across the finish line,” Councilmember Gary McVey said about the project at the Sept. 17 council meeting. “It hasn’t been easy, but we had a lot of help from a lot of partners. We couldn’t have done it without all of them. It’s a beautiful facility.”
McVey added, “We need more, I think we all recognize that. I think some of our challenges going forward are how do we meet some of our goals?”
The development features 8 one-bedroom apartments for low-income seniors and adults with disabilities.
