County Executive Isiah Leggett today announced the purchase of the Maple Towers Apartments in Takoma Park, thereby preserving the 35-unit building as affordable housing. Leggett was joined by Takoma Park Mayor Bruce Williams, Takoma Park City Councilmember Terry Seamans and Montgomery County Housing Partnership (MHP) President Robert Goldman to announce MHP’s acquisition of the building.

“A major priority presented to me by my affordable housing task force was to preserve the existing housing in Montgomery County,” said Leggett, “with Montgomery Housing Partnership’s acquisition of this building, we’re doing exactly that. By saving our existing housing, we do not have to create an expensive new neighborhood infrastructure of roads, schools and parks. Instead, we are maintaining and restoring the great communities we have already invested in.

Montgomery Housing Partnership’s purchase of Maple Towers is the first time the newly developed County Housing Acquisition and Rehabilitation Program has been used. The Maple Towers Apartments have had a history of housing code violations and have been vacant for more than two years.

“The city appreciates the County stepping in, along with Montgomery Housing Partnership, to deal with a property that has been blighted and vacant for several years,” said Takoma Park Mayor Bruce Williams. “This action will prevent further detriment to the community. The County’s commitment of considerable resources will bring more affordable housing to those in need.

“In these difficult economic times, it is more important than ever to provide quality affordable housing for working families. We are thrilled to be partnering with Montgomery County and the City of Takoma Park to build a stronger more vibrant community in this neighborhood,” said Robert Goldman, president of Montgomery Housing Partnership.

The County provided $3.6 million in funding for the purchase and Montgomery Housing Partnership’s plans for the renovation include new kitchens and bathrooms, new windows, new plumbing and HVAC system, as well as exterior improvements. Construction is slated to begin later this year. When completed, more than 75 percent of the apartments will be rented to low- and moderate-income families and the balance will be offered at market rate.

Montgomery Housing Partnership’s mission is to preserve and expand affordable housing in Montgomery County through the acquisition, rehabilitation, building and managing of properties.