Habitat to start its first New Kent neighborhood

A New Kent County couple who came to realize how difficult it was to find affordable housing in their community have made it possible for six families to do so.

Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity will break ground today on a six-home subdivision off Hopewell Road -- its first project in New Kent -- that will be built on 10.6 acres sold by Bert and Elsie McLaughlin.

The couple sold the land to the agency in September for $60,000 -- $79,000 less than its appraised value. The discount is considered one of the largest family donations in Richmond Habitat's 23-year history, said its executive director, Leisha LaRiviere.

Richmond Habitat teams with families to build homes in Richmond and the counties of Amelia, Charles City, Chesterfield, Henrico and New Kent.

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The New Kent Habitat for Humanity Committee formed about three years ago. In addition to raising funds for its first two homes, the group tried without success to find affordable property on which to build them, LaRiviere said.

The McLaughlins, founding members of the New Kent committee, offered to sell land near their family-owned campground.

"The McLaughlins looked at what they had in their very own hands and in their hearts, and communicated with their family that this was a commitment that they would like to make to the affordable housing cause in New Kent County," LaRiviere said. "Bert and Elsie could see how hard it was to create affordable housing without land that is affordable."

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The McLaughlins donated an additional 16 acres to the county for conservation, thus allowing six rather than four homes to be built under New Kent's cluster subdivision ordinance. Two acres will be used as an open recreation area for the new neighborhood.

New Kent County Administrator John A. Budesky said he was pleased to see people in the community recognize and step up to support the county's affordable housing needs.

In support of the project, the county waived development-related building and permit fees.

"I believe in every community there are a certain number of folks who can benefit from any affordable housing choice and the option that Habitat provides. New Kent is not any different," Budesky said.

The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. today at 6301 Hopewell Road. Volunteers are scheduled to begin building the first two homes next weekend.

Bruce and Kayleigh Elbourne, who have two young sons and a newborn daughter, and Christina Webb, a single mother of two young sons, have been selected to be the subdivision's first homeowners.

Contact Melodie N. Martin at (804) 649-6290 or .