Hilltop Village: A new green, mixed income neighborhood in the hills of North Corvallis being developed by Benton Habitat for Humanity

The concept and property for Hilltop Village were gifts from David and Jean Kliewer. It was their dream that limited natural resources would be preserved, that affordable homes be available to all the working people of Corvallis, that tolerance and diversity be promoted, and that open space be sustained and shared among neighborhoods.

Quick Facts
• 3.13. acres in North Corvallis
• Adjacent to Forest Dell Park, near Timberhill shopping, schools, public transportation
• 18 lots for single family homes: 12 for Habitat for Humanity, 6 market lots
• Site design will maximize natural terracing, southeastern views, and will be similar to surrounding neighborhood

Goals
• Provide ownership for initial and successive home sales at affordable prices
• Reduce ongoing costs of homeownership
• Address the widening gap between home prices and incomes

Neighborhood Charateristics
• Residents with a range of incomes, ages, and family size
• Green areas and paths laid out for neighborly interaction
• Aging-in-place and accessible options
• Resource efficient design, development, and home building practices
• Landscaping for low water use and non-invasive vegetation

HILLTOP VILLAGE Q & A

Q.WHAT’S NEXT?

A. Benton Habitat for Humanity is seeking Investors and Partners in the Hilltop Village campaign for infrastructure (the underlying system of roads, walkways, utilities, paths, and community green areas).  Together, Investors and Partners will produce a long-term mix of housing options and a well-planned green neighborhood that improves opportunities for hardworking residents and families and creates a healthier community for everyone
o INVESTORS  - Community members, businesses, and organizations who donate money, equipment, or materials to Hilltop Village are investing in immediate and future affordable homes in Corvallis.  Tax write-offs are available since BHfH is a private 501(c)(3) organization.  Investors and Partners will also receive special recognition for their contribution.    
o PARTNERS  – Volunteers, professionals, and skilled workers who directly participate in developing the infrastructure for Hilltop Village are meeting particular NEEDS by contributing their particular INTEREST-SKILL-ABILITY. This results in very rewarding experiences and special public recognition.

Q. WHAT’S THE DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE?

A. The following timeline is dependant on assembling adequate funds and partnerships.
2009-2011                Final engineering and permitting process.
2011-2013                    Fundraising for cost of infrastructure.
Spring/Symmer 2013    Ground breaking for Hilltop Village infrastructure.  
Late 2013 or 2014       Habitat home building begins.

Q. HOW CAN I HELP?

A. With a very small staff, the success of Benton Habitat for Humanity is dependant upon an ongoing cycle of partnerships and investments by people from many segments of the community!  
#1 NEED – Funding for infrastructure (See the next question for details.)
#2 NEED – Partnerships with volunteers, professionals and skilled workers who can provide in-kind expertise in several areas.
 
LAND DEVELOPMENT
>hillside excavation
>public utility installation
>engineering
>surveying and platting
>environmental assessment
>erosion control

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
>real estate law
>residential land trusts
>creating an HOA & CC&Rs

GREEN LIVING
>green building
>solar applications
>low-water landscaping
>organic gardening
>reuse and refurbishing
>transportation alternatives

NEIGHBORHOOD LIFESTYLE PLANNING
>interactive neighborhood
>mixed income dynamics
>pedestrian friendly architecture
>affordable lifestyle options

PROJECT MANAGEMENT
>informational materials
>managing websites
>grant writing

Q. HOW MUCH WILL INFRASTRUCTURE COST?

A. Current market-based estimates are $1.4 million dollars.  Future sales of the six market lots will help recoup some of the infrastructure costs.  Nonetheless, the entire amount, in funds and commitments for materials and in-kind donations is needed before infrastructure can begin. This is a big undertaking but the cost savings and efficiency of building 12 Habitat homes on a large donated parcel make this a more affordable project, over time

Q. HOW MANY BHfH HOMES WILL THERE BE IN BENTON COUNTY?

A. With the completion of Hilltop Village, BHfH partners, investors and volunteers will have built 40 homes in Benton County.  To date, BHfH has also funded 32 homes in the Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka, and Honduras.  Along with Habitat for Humanity affiliates around the world more than 400,000 simple, decent, and affordable homes have been built world wide.

Questions or comments?  Contact Carolyn Miller at (541)752-4537, or [ email ].