Seniors get new place to live

Christina Batiste lived in Jones County with her daughter prior to moving to Jacksonville.

She moved into her new apartment Aug. 2 and says she loves everything about it - particularly the fact that it's a nice place to live within her means.

"... it's a beautiful place and it was just magic to get this place and it's affordable," she said. "It's close to the shopping area - mall. I can walk to my bank. It's just so nice because I have my own place and I love it here."

Batiste is one of the new residents in Longbourne, a complex for those 55 years of age or older who earn 80 percent or less of the median income of Jacksonville, which is $48,000.

The units rent for $290 to $465 a month for a one-bedroom apartment or $350 to $555 for a two-bedroom unit, depending on income.

It's the eighth apartment complex in eastern North Carolina offering independent affordable living for active older adults completed by East Carolina Community Development Inc.

The ribbon cutting and open house for Longbourne Apartments, located on Alden Drive in Jacksonville, is scheduled for Thursday at 11 a.m. to give the public and officials the opportunity to view the new complex.

Keith Walker, ECCDI's president and corporate executive officer, said the construction was completed in July and its 28 one-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom apartments started leasing in August.

"We began to develop plans for (Longbourne) with the city of Jacksonville about five years ago," he said. "We also built Fox Hollow (at 100 Progress Way in Jacksonville) about two years ago, and what we found was it leased up within a month, so we turned our attention to expedite Longbourne."

ECCDI, a privately held not-for-profit housing organization, receives support from partners and investors, both private and public.

Each of the locations is selected so they are conveniently located to banks, restaurants, shopping, churches, transportation systems, community activities and other amenities.

Residency is available to individuals and couples meeting the restrictions. Leases are available on a year-to-year basis with a month's security deposit. Pets less than 25 pounds are permitted with a payment of a $150 non-refundable deposit.

Walker feels Longbourne's location is ideal for seniors, as are its amenities.

"The property is well situated to Doctor's Park and the (Jacksonville) Mall ... but it's off the beaten path enough that it's not in a high traffic area," he said. "There is a laundry room and activity room, and soon there will be an exercise room with exercise equipment." There is also shuffleboard, bocce ball and a community garden.

Another senior complex should start construction next spring.

"The Arbors at Carolina Forest, which will be 180 units, should be under construction by the spring of next year," Walker said. "One of our most pressing needs is housing for people over the age of 55."

Contact Topsail area reporter Suzanne Ulbrich at 910-219-8454. Visit www.jdnews.com to comment on this report.