The overall cost of living is constantly rising for many residents in State College, but a few families will be relieved to know about a new construction project that will help keep their housing costs low.

Waupelani Heights, 460 Waupelani Drive, are lower-income housing units designed for young families trying to save money for the future. Upon completion in June or July, the apartment complex will have 35 two-and-three-bedroom units ranging from 1,100 to 1,400 square feet.

Andy Haines, vice president of S&A Homes Inc., the builder for the project, said this is a great step forward for State College. "We've provided lower costs so residents can save money and eventually buy homes," Haines said.

However, not everyone will qualify to live at Waupelani Heights. For example, a family of four cannot earn more than $28,000 per year, although that figure is subject to change. Also, full-time students do not qualify unless they live with a non-student, Haines said. Part-time and nontraditional students are eligible, he added. Haines said the rents are controlled and the apartments will serve low-income residents for the next 30 years. The project allows investors to earn tax credit for building low-income housing. It is also funded in part by state HOME Investment Partnership program funds. Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) contributed $417,000 toward the completion of the new housing.

Janet Knauer, State College Borough Council member, said State College is an area desperate for more affordable housing. She said she expects the units to be filled before the construction is even completed.

"Because of the student population in State College, many people are priced out of the market," she said. "It is very important to provide housing that many workers would not have been able to afford."

Lu Hoover, a borough planner, said State College has worked closely with S&A Homes in many aspects of the project to see that all needs are met. She said their partnership was successful a few years ago with Yorkshire Village, a similar low-income housing project on Southgate Drive. The new program will be run by a nonprofit agency to assist residents with problems of unemployment or financial difficulties and help with budget counseling.