Meeting set on proposed $3.5M Oakwood Village renovations

Spurred by Havre's affordable housing needs, a local economic development organization is hosting a community outreach meeting about a proposal to invest $3.5 million in a local housing complex.

Residents of Oakwood Village, as well as the public, are invited to speak Wednesday with a company interested in buying and renovating the complex of three apartment buildings on the east edge of Havre, Samantha Chagnon of Bear Paw Development Corp. said.

The meeting with Affiliated Developers Inc. will be held at Bear Paw's conference room Wednesday at 6 p.m, a press release says. The office is on the second floor of downtown Havre's Ryan Building, 48 Second Ave.

The goal for the meeting, the press release says, is for the prospective buyer to get residents' and community members' input on renovation priorities, apartment design features and creation of a common space for residents. Food will be provided at the family-friendly event.

"Anybody who is passionate about that project or has input or feedback, they're welcome to come," Chagnon added.

She said Bear Paw is hoping that local leaders, such as Havre City Council members and commissioners, come to the event, as well as concerned community members.

Chagnon said Bear Paw's job is to listen to the community.

"One of the things we hear," Chagnon said, "is the No. 1 priority is housing. 'We need affordable housing, we need more housing.'"

When Affiliated Developers approached Bear Paw about the community meeting, she said the organization was quickly on board.

"Anything we could do to help out," Chagnon said. "Sixty units is what (Oakwood Village has) right now. We definitely don't want to see it go away and are happy to help revitalize it."

If Affiliated Developers purchases Oakwood Village, the press release says, the company will invest an estimated $58,000 into each unit. The renovations are funded by private investment and Montana Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, the release adds. Affiliated Developers is partnered with Real Estate Management Specialists Inc. of Kalispell, which did renovations in 2015 on Havre's Hillview Apartments.

Michigan-based Affiliated Developers is also in negotiations to purchase Eagles Manor.

Oakwood Village, a low-income residence, has not been significantly updated since its construction in 1979, the press release said.