Construction to begin on Spring Valley, NY housing

Real Estate Weekly, April 30, 1997

Launched in California with great success, the Spring Valley EEXCEL is the first of its kind on the East Coast. The program has been cited by Hillary Clinton, who noted its positive qualities in her book It Takes Village.

"I'm delighted that my office was able to be of service to this project. Affordable housing combined with a learning center strengthens the ties between home and school," said Assemblyman Colman. "Children can come home from school and continue the learning process in a structured setting."

EEXCEL Apartments combines affordable, quality rental housing for low- and moderate-income families with a tutorial/educational center located directly within the apartment complex. The two- and three-bedroom apartments in the complex will be affordable to families earning approximately $27,000 per year.

The developer, Steve Fetner of Sneden Place Development Corporation, has more than 15 years experience as a general contractor. He initially found out about EEXCEL while listening to a radio program about its the benefits. "When I heard about this on the radio I was really impressed. EEXCEL helps kids who don't have the opportunities that some other kids have. These parents want the same things I want for my kids. I was so moved by what I heard that I decided to pursue it," said Fetner. "I said, 'Well now I have to build some housing.' I will be pursuing other EEXCEL projects throughout the state."

In an effort combining concern for design and a commitment to children, James Harb Architects created Spring Valley Commons, an affordable low-income housing complex with its own on-site tutorial center for residents' children. Construction begins this spring.

Located on a 4.5-acre site on Slinn Avenue at the Spring Valley/Ramapo Township line in Rockland County, the five-building, 68-unit quadrangle has been arranged around a landscaped common area. The site was previously seen as economically inviable because of a 34-foot drop-off from its highest point, requiring extensive work to achieve drivable lanes and buildable pads.

Spring Valley Commons' principal feature will be a 2,930 square-foot classroom facility where children receive tutoring as part of an arrangement with Columbia University's Teachers College. The development's completion is scheduled for mid-1998.

New York City-based architect Jim Harb's involvement in the $8.6 million venture originated with a request from Steve Fetner of Sneden Place Development Corporation. Having heard about a California-based program called EEXCEL - or Educational Excellence for Children with Environmental Limitations - on National Public Radio, Fetner was intrigued by the prospect of private and not-for-profit organizations working together in the areas of housing and education.

The linchpin of development is the tutorial center, located very visibly on the Slinn Avenue side of the complex. Under the aegis of EEXCEL, the computerized and fully-equipped facility will be overseen by three graduate students from Columbia University's Teachers College. These students will live on-site, offering general counseling services. They will also coordinate with local community colleges for up to 60 tutors to be available on a rotating basis.

Funding

Spring Valley Commons is structured as a not-for-profit venture. The housing portion of the project is funded by the Division of Housing and Community Renewal, the Community Preservation Corporation, and the State Tax Credit Corporation. The education portion is funded by a local tax exemption. Furthermore, the state has mandated prices of $400 for two-bedroom units, and $500 for three-bedroom units.