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Habitat for Humanity closes on property for subdivision

During the next 5 years, volunteers will build homes for 20 families.

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By Meagan Engle, Staff Writer 1:40 PM Friday, November 20, 2009

Habitat for Humanity is moving forward with its plans for a six-acre subdivision in Oxford after closing on the property last week.

The purchase, which has been two years in the making, means the nonprofit could start moving dirt for the Hester Road subdivision in a few months.

After countless hours in planning and about $600,000 invested before a shovel has hit the ground, officials are happy to move forward with the project.

“I’m ecstatic,” said Jim Lipnickey, with Oxford Habitat for Humanity.

“It was laughable when I started talking about it. People said it would never happen,” he said. “I think it’s a great opportunity for Habitat, it’s a great opportunity for Oxford.”

The subdivision — to be named “Reckford Woods” after Habitat International’s chief executive officer — will feature two cul-de-sacs with a total of 20 homes. Construction of the homes, which will be at least three bedrooms and valued at about $130,000, will be done in two phases.

The first street will be named Carter Circle, after President Jimmy Carter, who is a Habitat supporter. The second street will be named Fuller Way, after the founder of Habitat International.

Families moving into Habitat homes put in 500 hours of volunteer work, pay an interest-free loan for the cost of the house and must take financial counseling and a homeownership program.

“Volunteers and staff are excited about this opportunity to develop the land and over a three- to five-year period will work diligently to build homes for 20 more families,” said Jean Masthay, Habitat’s Tri-State executive director.

“A project of this scope is particularly meaningful as it will require the teamwork of many donors, community partners, volunteers and families with a commitment to help eliminate substandard housing to realize the vision of providing help and hope of home ownership for 20 more families,” Masthay said.

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