New Yorkway Dundalk Housing Breaks Ground 
Single Family Homes are Planned

Dundalk, Md. (September 18, 2009) — Today, standing on the open site of what used to be one of Baltimore County's most crime ridden apartment complexes, Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, Councilman John Olszewski, Sr., United States Senator Benjamin Cardin, Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, community leaders and area residents broke ground for 66 new single family homes in Dundalk. 

Better Community

"Ladies and gentlemen, our long awaited vision is almost a reality," said County Executive Smith. "We are officially breaking ground for a better community.  A community where families will feel safe and children won't be afraid to play outside. It's taken years of hard work and determination, but the day is finally here and we're not turning back!"

The property for the new housing community is the site of the former York Park Apartments. Built in the 1940s, the apartments were infamous for their dilapidated units and were a magnet for criminal activity. In 2005 alone, there were 3,822 calls for police service to the complex.

Removing Blight

"In the eleven years I've represented the people of Dundalk, removing the blight of York Park and paving the way for renewed hope for this community has been my number one priority," stated Councilman Olszewski, Sr. "I am elated for this community and I welcome all newcomers to the area as they seek new homes."

To move forward and improve the area, Baltimore County purchased the York Park Apartments, which comprised of 225 units in 56 buildings. Baltimore County assumed management of the apartments until all of the properties had been secured and all of the residents were relocated. Baltimore County's Office of Community Conservation coordinated the relocation of the tenants - 183 families - to better housing.

Costs

Baltimore County began demolishing sections of York Park in January 2007 and completed the final demolition in February 2008. Total expenditures for the acquisition, relocation assistance and demolition cost the County $18.2 million. The State of Maryland forgave a State loan and interest in the amount of $2.2 million. 

Investing in Projects

"When we first took office, Governor O'Malley and I set a goal to strengthen and grow Maryland's middle class and to expand opportunity to all Marylanders. By investing in projects like Yorkway, that provide individuals with opportunities to buy a home, to revitalize and preserve historic communities, we are making great strides to reach this goal. I congratulate County Executive Smith, Dundalk Renaissance Corporation and the entire Dundalk community on this exciting new development," said Lt. Governor Brown.

Shortly after the York Park demolition was complete, Baltimore County put the 9.8-acre site up for sale as one group. Developer John Vontran, Yorkway, LLC, purchased the property and the transfer took place in July 2008. The new community, named Yorkway, is a general Planned Unit Development (PUD). 

"I commend Baltimore County for its commitment to bringing a new renaissance to Dundalk with the Yorkway development," said U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin. "Yorkway is a model in redevelopment that will provide new, affordable homes for families and that will help stabilize the area."

Single Family Homes

The proposed Yorkway development will add 66 new single-family detached homes to the neighborhood. Ryan Homes is the builder. Seven different home designs will be offered, ranging in size from 2,200 square feet to over 3,000 square feet. Home prices start in the mid $200,000s. The first model home is expected to be ready for viewing by the end of October 2009. Homes will be for sale beginning January 2010.

"Yorkway will open the door for new home construction opportunities. From what was the York Park Apartments to the potential before us, I couldn't be more proud of this joint-effort accomplishment," said State Senator Norman Stone.

Renaissance

The groundbreaking for Yorkway continues Smith's commitment to Dundalk's renaissance. Since he was elected in 2002, Baltimore County has invested more than $90 million in the Dundalk area on roads, streetscapes, parks, infrastructure improvements, school renovations and recreation centers. The $11 million new Dundalk Community Center was opened in July 2009 and Baltimore County will soon break ground on two new state of the art schools - Dundalk High School and Sollers Point Technical High School - for a combined $105 million, in addition to a $5 million new Community Center in Turner Station.

"The Yorkway development project represents one of Baltimore County's greatest successes and examples of renaissance.  What was once a source of crime and fear has been replaced with hope and opportunity. That is what renaissance is all about," stated County Council Chair Joseph Bartenfelder.

Photographs

Photos from today's groundbreaking will be available soon at www.bacophoto.com.