Developer AbleLight has announced plans for a71-unit Oakdale apartment complex that would provide housing for people with disabilities. The housing would be located near a planned bus rapid transit service. 

“We are definitely very pleased about the location,” said Kristine Giornalista, senior director of real estate development at AbleLight. “We have an initiative to create a new housing option for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.” 

Giornalista said what makes the area so attractive is that it’ll be right next to Metro Transit’s new Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit route that goes from Woodbury to downtown St. Paul. The Gold Line is expected to start operations in 2025. 

“We’re not expecting that a lot of our residents that have an intellectual or developmental disability will own a car or will be able to drive,” Giornalista said. “So, for those people who are able and feel comfortable taking public transportation, this is going to be, I think, key element for them to be independent.” 

Andrew Gitzlaff, community development director for Oakdale, expressed support for the project. It is in an area where other development and infrastructure improvements are planned. 

AbleLight hopes to start construction later this year or next, but no exact timetable has been announced. 

AbleLight, formerly Bethesda, began in 1904. It serves about a dozen states and is based in Wisconsin. Learn more at https://ablelightcornerstonevillage.org/ 

(Sources; KSTP-TV)