Rises’ Emerald Ridge—From a Family’s Perspective

Through the groundbreaking, ribbon cutting, and everything in between, we have taken you through the amazing transformation in East Alton that has occurred since 2014, culminating with the grand opening of Emerald Ridge on April 20, 2015. But that’s just part of the story. The quality of life in the community since that grand opening is the ongoing story…

Aaron Bizaillion, Alisha Bryan and their two sons used to live in a two-bedroom trailer with no relief from the summer heat or the winter chill. There was nowhere outside for the kids to play and no immediate access to a washer or dryer.

When their son’s teacher encouraged them to pursue a home in a new affordable housing development, the Bizaillions promptly applied for it. After getting approval based on their income and need, the family was one of the first eight families to move into Emerald Ridge

Transformation

The Emerald Ridge development is in an area that was originally developed during World War II as employee housing for the nearby Olin munitions plant.  Conceived to be strictly temporary housing, these barracks-style buildings packed as many small apartments in as dense a site plan as could be accommodated in the project area. After the war, the buildings were not dismantled as originally planned but were sold off to private owners. Over the years many buildings had been re-sold multiple times, leading to a combination of difficulties.  Although some properties had been maintained by responsible property owners, many had been in the hands of absentee or unprofessional landlords.  The housing was functionally obsolete and in most cases substandard or dilapidated. These obsolete apartments were replaced by 46 new, single-family homes. Each home has a two-car driveway, disability accommodations, are energy efficiency with increased insulation, low-flow fixtures, reflective roofing and highly efficient mechanical systems. Mr. Bizaillion said:

“When I got the phone call to tell me I was accepted to Emerald Ridge, I cried. I came from not having anything to having a new home like this.”

Bizaillion noted that the neighborhood is like night and day from his old one. He started a neighborhood watch program so he and his neighbors could get to know and look out for each other. 

New, Vibrant, and Enduring

The first residents included Bizaillion and Bryan along with their two sons, Matthew, age 13, and Dylan who is 3. Bizaillion, an Illinois native, recalls it was a turning point for his family when they found out they would be renting one of the new homes.

“This was the best thing that’s ever happened to us. It’s the first new home we’ve had, so it made move-in day very special,” Bizaillion said. “I walk through this house sometimes and think to myself, ‘How did I get so lucky to have something as nice as this?’”

Bryan noted that in addition to having more room for them and their sons, they also have access to their own washer and dryer.

The long-term dedicated commitment of the Village of East Alton to transform the area has now been realized by this new Rise development surrounding Keasler Recreation Center and park. This is a new beginning and a different world for the neighborhood. Thirty-six of the new homes are affordable to families earning 60% or less of the area median income and 10 of them are affordable to households earning 30% or less of the area median income, making nearly two-thirds of the population of East Alton eligible. Tenants will also be given the opportunity to own the homes after 15 years.

“We’re committed to revitalizing communities and neighborhoods in the Greater St. Louis area,” said Stephen Acree, president of Rise. “The development of Emerald Ridge has been built on strong partnerships that will reinforce a resilient and healthy community.”

Quality of Life

The redevelopment helped to bring the community together and provide a better quality of life for its residents.

Emerald Ridge has also encouraged local economic growth in the area and has made residents feel safer with the removal of the obsolete housing. The amount of crime has declined dramatically as the area has improved.

The neighborhood park is a focal point of Emerald Ridge. It has doubled in size since its opening and there are plans to plant trees and install new restrooms. Public schools also are within walking distance, and a new bus stop was added to the front of the development for residents’ convenience

“The positive image of Emerald Ridge has stimulated interest in residences and businesses in the Village of East Alton,” Mayor Joe Silkwood said.

Residents have been moving in since August of 2014, and the reactions to their new homes? Nothing short of phenomenal.

Bizaillion loves the neighborhood, and his family plans on buying the home in the future.

“I like knowing there is a chance to live in a house and aspire to buy it. I want my children to grow up knowing they can have nice things if they work hard. I just want the best for them,” he said.

All the single-family homes were 100 percent occupied before the ribbon cutting. Over 150 people applied when Rise opened up applications and there is a waiting list for future residents.

On behalf of Emerald Ridge, Rise and the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority (SWIDA) accepted the 2016 Wyvetter H. Young Award in recognition of innovation and excellence in affordable housing at the 2016 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Affordable Housing.

A huge thanks to all who made Emerald Ridge a reality for East Alton. We can’t wait for the next chapter to unfold!

For previous posts on Emerald Ridge from Rise click here.