Apple Valley Townhomes Featured in Documentary on Affordable Housing

An Apple Valley housing development is one of three featured in a new documentary that looks in-depth at the need for affordable, sustainable housing and highlights Minneapolis-St. Paul area projects that have "broken the mold" in terms of building homes for low-income residents.

The 60-minute "Homes for All" premieres at 8 p.m. Sunday on Twin Cities Public Television, and features the 45-townhome Quarry View development in Apple Valley, according to a press release. Quarry View is a project of the Dakota County Community Development Agency that opened in 2011.

One-third of Minnesota households spend more than the 30 percent of their income—considered the maximum affordable percentage—on housing, the release says; one in seven households spend more than 50 percent.

“With investments made by forward-thinking government agencies, businesses, and charitable organizations, families achieve self-reliance and assure a sound education for their children," said Pat Steiger of the Minnesota Community Land Trust Coalition in the press release. "Not only does affordable housing allow them to live close to their place of employment, it also helps build sustainability into all facets of our Minnesota community and economy."

The other two developments featured are Forest Ridge Townhomes in Forest Lake, and Hope Communities, a 173 rental units in Minneapolis in the Franklin Avenue and Portland Avenue area, the release says.

“This documentary tells the story of real people in real life situations who—with the security of a safe, affirming place to call home—can move forward and live independent lives," said Chip Halbach, executive director of Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP), in the release.

The Dakota County CDA has built 18 family townhome developments, totaling 552 units, in Dakota County, according to its website. The others in Apple Valley are the Chasewood townhomes and Glenbrook townhomes.