OnTrack announces apartment options

A Medford-based nonprofit plans to open four new affordable apartment buildings this year in an effort to address the need for housing for those with low-wage jobs.

The buildings under development by OnTrack Inc. equal out to 73 units, more than doubling the charity’s pool of affordable apartments.

OnTrack Inc. specializes in drug treatment but has been offering general affordable housing since 1989.

"The need for all types of housing for people on restricted incomes is tremendous in the valley, so most units are not restricted to people in substance abuse treatment or who have bad histories," said Shirley Wilkes, OnTrack Inc. housing coordinator. "Seventy-five percent will be working families who don’t have enough money to rent in Medford because rents are so outrageous or are developmentally disabled or elderly."

Sky Vista, a 48-unit complex under construction at the corner of Stewart Avenue and Orchard Home Drive, will serve those earning 30 to 50 percent of the median income, about $14,050 to $23,450 per year for a family of three.

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Rents for one to three-bedroom apartments will range from $351 to $677, subject to change, according to Oregon Housing and Community Service’s annually published rent rates.

One-fourth of units will be reserved for those who face obstacles renting on the mainstream market because of domestic violence, credit history or past evictions.

"Many times they have medical bills in the past that caused their credit to be bad," Wilkes said.

Lithia Place, a 15-unit complex at the 500 block of Beatty Street, will house the developmentally disabled. OnTrack Inc. and Living Opportunities will operate the building.

Funded through Oregon Housing and Community Service tax credits, both complexes are scheduled to open in the fall.

OnTrack Inc. plans to renovate two old houses at the 500 block of South Holly Street and the 400 block of South Oakdale Avenue to make room for drug treatment patients with families.

The charity bought both houses in the last two months.

Four families are expected to live in the homes, which the charity bought in the past two months.

Rents have not yet been determined but will be based on a sliding fee scale.

"We are searching for funding sources to renovate the buildings," Wilkes said.

The buildings are tentatively set to open in March.

Existing tenants at the South Holly location, who must move out by February, have complained that OnTrack Inc. misled them about its intent for the building.

"When they bought the building they said they had no plans on making anybody move, and a month and a half later, we got eviction notices," said Rick Kinderman, who has lived in the building for seven years. "I’m having a hard time figuring out a place to move to."

Wilkes said there is a misunderstanding between her and the tenants.

"I didn’t say they could continue living there indefinitely," she said.

OnTrack Inc. already has 50 units at Stevens Street, six at West Main and four at Washington Street.

Its waiting list is about six months to a year.

Community leaders have blamed the lack of affordable housing on high student turnover in schools, declining enrollment, homelessness and other social ills.

"Children are living under bridges and in cars in Jackson County, and that’s not OK," said Rita Sullivan, OnTrack Inc. executive director.

Reach reporter Paris Achenat 776-4459 or e-mail pachen@mailtribune.com.