"Why is little Warren getting all this money from the state of Pennsylvania?"

For those attending Thursday's ribbon-cutting marking the opening of Allegheny Point, Brenda Wells, western region director for the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, had the answer.
"Because you deserve it," said Wells.

The 24 units of housing for income eligible seniors became the first "Impact Warren" building to open.

While Warren continues to receive state and federal financial support for its $50 million downtown and riverfront revitalization, Wells said competition for state housing money is keen, with only one in three applications being approved for PHFA funding.

For a project to be funded, said Wells, "You know it has to be good."

Having toured Allegheny Point prior to the ribbon-cutting, Wells said, "This is better than good. This project has everything it's supposed to have."

Allegheny Point, said Wells, promises not only an affordable place for seniors to live but a better quality of life.

"What you are doing here in Warren pretty much epitomizes what we are looking for," said Wells.

Bob Yoder of Susquehanna Development, developer for "Impact Warren," said the community's focus has made Allegheny Point and "Impact Warren" a success.

"Truly, Warren has one focus of where they're going," said Yoder.

State Sen. Joe Scarnati said Allegheny Point serves as "a perfect example of state, local and federal government helping business open the doors to bring development here. I think your downtown, our downtown, is going to be one we can be proud of."

State Rep. Kathy Rapp said, "This is what can happen when people work together."

Howard Brush, Governor Ed Rendell's northwestern Pennsylvania representative, said that, "You always hear the negatives, but there are so many positives here."

Yoder said Allegheny Point was actually completed three weeks ago but an occupancy permit could not be issued until the sprinkler system, fueled by the geothermal system dedicated a day earlier, was approved.

Allegheny Point has a dozen tenants already moved in, said Yoder.

The building has 20 one-bedroom and four two-bedroom units. Three of the units are designed to meet the needs of those requiring the use of a wheelchair and/or apparatus for the hearing or sight impaired.

Each apartment is equipped with a stove, refrigerator and geothermal heating and cooling system.

The building has an air-lock entry system, community room with sitting area, elevator access, on-site laundry, geothermal heat and air conditioning.

Tenants must be at least 62 years of age and the age requirement applies to all the tenants of an apartment.

For two people to qualify financially for a one- or two-bedroom apartment, the combined household income can be no more than $23,280. For a single person, the maximum allowable income is set at $20,400.

Anyone interested in more information on Allegheny Point may contact on-site coordinator Sherry Stinebiser, 723-3172, or Warrior Run Development, 1-800-735-3068.