Groundbreakings are fairly standard affairs, with appearances by local officials, brief remarks from those involved, and, of course, the requisite photo-op with stakeholders donning construction hats and shoveling dirt on the count of three.
At Friday's groundbreaking for an affordable housing project, Mayor Linda Gorton also had a chance to press the button and blast away a section of land.
After a warning of "fire in the hole!" a plume of dirt and debris blasted upward, prompting laughter, clapping, and a "woo" from bystanders.
The goal, however, wasn’t destruction but the start of construction for a $43 million affordable housing venture called Kearney Ridge Apartments. The plan calls for energy-efficient, garden-style units with a clubhouse, fitness facility, and a swimming pool.
Charlie Lanter, who’s been the city’s Housing Advocacy Commissioner for less than two months, says demand is high.
"We get a call every day from families in Lexington looking for units just like the ones that are being built here. And so this is going to be a critical addition to our community."Charlie Lanter, Lexington Housing Advocacy Commissioner
Most of the Kearney Ridge apartments will be aimed at households making at or below 60% of the area’s annual median income — or about $36,000 for a two-person household.
