In response to growing housing needs in the region, Brighton Properties, a subsidiary of Brighton Center, broke ground on a 12-unit development in Newport on May 11 to provide stable, income-aligned housing.
The project represents an investment in addressing housing instability in Northern Kentucky. June Gardens was made possible through funding support from the Kentucky Housing Corporation, which invested more than $6.3 million in the project.
A study of housing in Northern Kentucky has revealed troubling trends for housing in the region, with the largest need being for “workforce housing” for households earning between $15 and $25 per hour, with monthly housing costs between $500 and $1,500. The region needs about 3,000 more housing units to provide for people within that income range, according to the study. The demand for one- to two-bedroom rentals and owned properties consistently exceeds their supply, while supply for three and four-bedroom properties consistently exceeds demand. The study suggests that the region needs to build 6,650 housing units to support economic development in the next five years, which equates to 1,330 units per year. Read more here.
Understanding NKY’s housing shortage
There will be six one-bedroom units, four two-bedroom units, and two three-bedroom units, and families will receive rental assistance, family-centered coaching, and wraparound services from the Brighton Center. Of the 12 units, 10 will be on Ann Street, with one on Roberts Street and one on Brighton Street, which is where Brighton Center got its name.
Jake Bush, a project specialist for the Kentucky Housing Corporation, said he has been a part of the project since its inception. Bush said that as of January 2024, the Northern Kentucky local Prioritization Committee coordinated entry list included 146 individuals and 29 families in need of affordable housing. He said that June Gardens will prioritize those on that list with the most need.
“What makes permanent supportive housing so effective is all that comes with it,” Bush said. “Rental Assistance, intensive case management, wraparound supportive services. This model produces better outcomes, keeps kids in schools and connects residents to the services that they need the most.”
June Gardens is named after June Miller, Brighton Center’s chief financial and administrative officer, who has been with Brighton Center for 43 years.
“She really helped build Brighton in every sense of the word,” said President & CEO of Brighton Properties/Brighton Center, Wonda Winkler. “So today, not only are we celebrating this particular project, but we get to honor June Miller at the same time for her remarkable legacy that she’s helped to build. June has poured her heart, her talent and her unwavering commitment.”
Brighton Properties has developed or managed 350 units of affordable housing, with 310 units still under its control.
Brighton Properties Board President Brian Crecco shared during the groundbreaking ceremony that currently, 60% of Northern Kentucky occupations have an average annual salary of $60,000 or less. He said that, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, also known as HUD, a family should spend no more than 30% of its income on housing.
Meaning that $60,000 number equates to about $1,500 a month.
In Newport alone for a two-bedroom, Crecco said market rate rent ranges from $1,570 to $1,870, depending on the source.
“Those numbers become clear why low income families are struggling to make ends meet, hardly a great scenario for families as they aspire for stable housing and the best possible quality of life,” he said.
Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery spoke at the groundbreaking and said the entire region will benefit from a project like June Gardens, not just the people who live there.
Pendery said not only is there a housing crisis across the county, the region and the nation, but there is also an employment crisis. He said this is due to there not being enough people to replace the retiring baby boomer population.
“If we don’t provide those people some place to live, we’re not going to have the talent we need to move this community forward,” Pendery said. “We’re not going to have the places for talented people to live in the first place. So, beyond our gratitude to Brighton Center and Brighton Properties for providing housing for people who otherwise might not be able to find it. You all have a personal stake that says, ‘My community is not going to thrive if we don’t have the people to work here and look after our needs too.’”
