Spencer Trace near completion

Described as an “affordable living” community by MEDS owner Stanley McCall Sr., Spencer Trace has seven residential buildings and one building that is used for the office, community room and laundry rooms.

Madison’s newly renovated apartment complex, Spencer Trace of Madison, is well on its way to completion.

Spencer Trace, formerly known as Paradise Apartments, is being developed by (MEDS) Management Enterprise Development and Services, Inc.

“MEDS decided that the city of Madison needed more affordable housing,” said Stan McCall Jr., director of special projects. “Since MEDS has experience in affordable housing we decided that we can totally renovate the project, and create working family affordable housing that is modern, beautiful and safe.”

Described as an “affordable living” community by MEDS owner Stanley McCall Sr., Spencer Trace has seven residential buildings and one building that is used for the office, community room and laundry room.

The property was turned over to MEDS in December 2009. Renovation of every apartment began in June 2011.

“We’ve totally redone the project,” McCall said. “It was a complete restoration. Everyone is pleased with the attractiveness. Everything from the roof to the floor covering has been redone or replaced.”

McCall said the company has replaced the complex’s doors, put in a new playground, resurfaced the parking lot, upgraded the exterior lighting and mechanical systems, installed new cabinets and even added in crown molding to “give it character.”

McCall said inspectors have cleared three buildings for occupation and three occupants have already moved in. He said the other two buildings are “very close” to being cleared for a certificate of occupation.

In all, the complex has 50 units.

“We will be processing people into the buildings over the next two or three months,” he said.

McCall made a point to stress that Spencer Trace would be “affordable” housing and not subsidized housing.

“The difference between affordable housing and HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) is that HUD provides subsidies for each resident at the property,” McCall Sr. said. “MEDS is providing affordable rent that is not subsidized by HUD, although we do accept Section 8 Housing from the Housing Authority.”

A two-bedroom apartment at Spencer Trace costs $579 per month; and three-bedroom townhomes cost $699 per month.

In other actions, the council:

– resolution No. 2012-68-R awarded did no. MPWD-09-12 in the amount of $76,750 for the purchase of one (1) used mid-size hydraulic excavator to Thompson Tractor Co. (funding from departmental budget)

-resolution No. 2012-32-R amended contractor services agreement with BFI Waste Systems, LLC (D.B.A. Allied Waste Services of Huntsville)

– resolution No. 2012-39-R approved an agreement with Madison City Farmers Market, Inc. for use of city property

– resolution No. 2012-69-R set a public hearing on Proposed Ordinance No. 2012-70 zoning certain property owned by John and Alice Wessly located southwest corner of Hardiman Road and Halsey Road as R-3A (request to delay action until no later than the 06/25/2012 Council meeting)