Impact Warren's riverfront townhouse condominiums were described in detail to prospective buyers by the developer on Tuesday.

Bob Yoder, Susquehanna Valley Development, along with Warren Mayor Mark Phillips, gave a public presentation at Warren Public Library explaining Impact Warren's housing projects, with emphasis on the three buildings that will house condominiums at Breeze Point Landing.

The other buildings include senior housing in the form of apartments in the Northwest Savings Bank Building at Liberty St. and Pennsylvania Ave. and family apartments at Market St. and Pennsylvania Ave. Eight rental garden apartments will also be available in the lower level of the condominiums at Breeze Point Landing. The townhouse condominiums, which will take up three levels, will be for sale. None of the housing has age or income restrictions except the senior apartments, which will house only those age 62 and up.

Yoder pointed out that construction of the townhouses won't begin until the Hickory Street Bridge is complete, but it is hoped that construction can start in the spring. Yoder explained that the townhouses are large (some are close to 1,500 square feet) two- and three-bedroom units. The townhouses (16 in all) are comprised of the second and third floors and have balconies on the second floor. All have one parking space included, at the rear of the building, and additional space may be rented in the parking garage from the City of Warren. Elevators can be installed for handicapped accessibility for those who wish to have them. Without the elevators, there is extra closet space. All townhouses have washer/dryer hookups.

All of the project's housing will use geothermal heating, with heat provided by water from two
wells. The operating cost will be very minimal, according to Yoder, and the buildings will be energy efficient and fully sprinklered, as is required by state law.

The price of the townhouses has yet to be determined, Yoder said, but the garden apartments will rent for $595 (one bedroom), $695 (two bedroom) and $795 (two bedroom, with balcony). The rental price includes heat, but not electricity. However, Yoder said the cost of electricity in the apartments should be minimal.

Although the townhouse prices are not known, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency will provide funds for those whose household income is less than 115 percent of the state's median income. Yoder said for a family of four, that median is approximately $48,000. The funds will cover such things as down payments and closing costs.

Senior housing at Allegheny Point and the family housing will have some commercial development in the buildings, including an adult care center, possibly a senior center, and Northwest Savings Bank offices, as well as other space still available. Applications for the townhouses are available in the city office at the municipal building in Warren. The applications will allow the prospective owner to determine if he/she qualifies for special financing.

Pointing to the support the project has had from the state, Yoder said, "The governor is really focused on this project."