Neighbors react to new affordable housing complex

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington’s homeless veterans and adults with disabilities will soon have a new place to get back on their feet after aground breaking ceremony was held today for the SECU Lakeside Reserve complex.

“it’s a combination of affordable rental units and onsite services for folks who we’re trying to transition out of homelessness,” said Katrina Knight with the Good Shepherd Center. The non profit organization will manage the new complex and provide services to the veterans and seniors who move in.

The four acres of donated land behind Legion Sadium will be located near the Woodlawn neighborhood, and some residents opposed the idea of having the complex so close.

“The concern was that it was going to be low-income housing, possibly like a transitional facility for people getting out of being incarcerated,” said Carole Ellzey.

She said after meeting with officials they felt the project was a good idea.

“They showed us a diagram of what it’s supposed to look like and assured us that these types of developments have gone up in other cities and that they’re very successful,” she said.

Now it’s a development she believes will develop a sense of good will in the area.

“I feel like it’s a good thing, that the community is going to be helping those people, the veterans that need help,” Ellzey said.

The complex is being named after the State Employees’ Credit Union after the bank’s foundation donated $1 million to the project. The center expects construction to be completed in a year.