AHOSKIE – Hertford Pointe, a new apartment complex for incoming teachers to the Hertford County area, should be finished by the end of July and opened by the first of August.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the complex was held Dec. 15, 2006

According to James Eure, chairman of the Partners for Hertford County Public Schools Foundation Board, the complex is about 60 percent complete.

The purpose of the apartment complex is to provide affordable housing for first and second year teachers in Hertford County.

Eure said currently teachers are being recruited to live in the complex.

Teachers who are not from the area have first preference, but all Hertford County teachers are eligible.

Hertford County has six public schools and one-half of them are located within one mile of the apartment complex.

The complex will be located on Hertford County High School Road adjacent to Hertford County High School. Bearfield Primary School is across the road, and Ahoskie Elementary School is nearby the complex, as well.

The complex houses 24 teachers.

Rent is $500 a month for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment.

Washer and dryer hookups are available, but those appliances are not provided.

A gazebo, walking trail, bicycle trail and picnic area will be available to the teachers, according to Eure.

The apartment complex is funded by the State Employee Credit Union Foundation, (SECU), a charitable organization that promotes local community development.

The project cost $2.2 million, which was lent on a non- interest base and must be repaid over 15 years.

Once the $2.2 million is paid free and clear, the Foundation of Hertford County Schools will own the apartment complex.

Eure said the revenues from the rent would then be used to support the Hertford County public school system.

Several businesses, Berry-Kerr, Cisco and Nucor, donated money to the project, and other businesses are being asked to donate money.

Eure said a kick off campaign to generate more financial aid for apartment complex is being started.

Businesses are being asked to pledge $25,000 over a 15-year period.

Every business that does this will receive a plaque they can display in their building.

The apartment complex is a pilot project.

Eure said SECU hopes to help other counties provide housing complexes for their teachers if Hertford County’s apartment complex is successful.