FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Topeka, KS – SENT Inc. is proud to announce two transformative housing initiatives—New Heights at Fremont Hill and Johnson-Betts Meadows—designed to expand affordable homeownership and increase equitable housing opportunities for working families in Southeast Topeka.
These developments represent a bold step toward reversing decades of disinvestment and ensuring that families who contribute to the fabric of our community—such as teachers, city employees, and essential workers—have access to safe, affordable, and high-quality homes.
New Heights at Fremont Hill: A Tribute to Workforce Housing & Dr. Beryl New
Located on 15 acres of SENT-owned land at Fremont Hill, New Heights is designed to provide affordable homeownership opportunities for working families—a critical need as housing prices continue to rise.
- 48 Single-Family Homes will be built in partnership with Bravo Ridge Developments
- Affordable Prices – Three-bedroom homes starting at $185,000 and four-bedroom homes at $195,000 (nearly $50,000 below Topeka’s average home cost).
- Scalable Development – Homes will be built in phases, with the first 10 homes breaking ground in 2025.
Financial Innovations – SENT will leverage financing programs such as:
- FHLBank homebuyer assistance programs – encouraging buyers to pursue these funds (including down payment assistance) through their lending institutions
- No Tax Credit Restrictions – These homes will be available to working families, without income-based restrictions that often exclude middle-income earners.
Honoring Dr. Beryl New
New Heights at Fremont Hill is named in honor of Dr. Beryl New, a dedicated educator, community leader, and advocate for equity in Topeka. Dr. New has spent decades breaking barriers in education, advocating for students, and ensuring that every child has access to opportunities for success.
“When you have something good, people are going to want to copy it,” said Dr. New. “I believe the SENT model will be contagious because it lays out a clear path for revitalization. The vision behind New Heights is one that will inspire not just Topeka, but cities across the country.”
Watch this video sharing the vision for New Heights: https://vimeo.com/1052134154
Johnson-Betts Meadows: A Cornerstone of Equitable Housing
In collaboration with the Topeka Housing Authority, HTK Architects, and Hoppe-Mesner developers, SENT is bringing 176 affordable units to Southeast Topeka through Johnson-Betts Meadows, multi-family development that will provide housing stability for Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) families (available to those making 60% or below of the AMI).
- 176 new affordable units designed to serve families in need of high-quality rental housing
- Strategic Incentives – The project will leverage Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to ensure affordability
- Community-Centered Design – Built in partnership with local organizations to reflect the needs of the neighborhood
- Construction Timeline – SENT hopes to finalize funding by the end of 2025 and begin construction in early 2026
Honoring Pamela Johnson-Betts
Johnson-Betts Meadows is named after Pamela Johnson-Betts, a lifelong advocate for social justice, housing equity, and public service. As the first African American woman to serve as Secretary of the Kansas Department on Aging, the former leader of the Topeka Public Schools Foundation, and a dedicated leader in numerous organizations, her commitment to empowering underserved communities has had a lasting impact on Topeka.
Why These Developments Matter
The ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) report highlights that 39% of Kansas households struggle to afford basic necessities—including housing. 50.7% of families in Senate District 19 fall into this category, demonstrating the urgent need for affordable homeownership and quality rental housing.
“Homeownership is more than just having a place to live—it’s about creating stability, building generational wealth, and ensuring that families have the foundation they need to thrive,” said Johnathan Sublet, Executive Director of SENT Inc. “New Heights and Johnson-Betts Meadows aren’t just about buildings; they’re about breaking cycles of poverty and transforming the future of Southeast Topeka.”
A Call to Action
SENT Inc. invites partners, investors, and community leaders to join us in making these developments a reality. By working together, we can bridge the affordability gap, empower working families, and create sustainable change in Southeast Topeka.
Specifically, SENT is seeking potential partners to develop 7 acres of commercial property next to Johnson-Betts Meadows. We’re willing to donate the land in exchange for a Community Benefits Plan that enhances wrap-around services for the community. If you’re passionate about sustainable development and community impact, please contact Johnathan Sublet, johnathan@senttopeka.com.
Stay Connected & Learn More
For more details on New Heights at Fremont Hill and Johnson-Betts Meadows, visit www.senttopeka.com.
Media Inquiries & Partnerships
Contact: Johnathan Sublet, Executive Director
(785) 783-2535 | johnathan@senttopeka.com
About SENT Inc.
Founded in 2017, SENT Inc. (Strengthening and Equipping Neighborhoods Together) is a nonprofit organization committed to transforming communities through holistic support and empowerment. With a focus on housing development, education, community health & wellness, and economic development, SENT creates pathways for families to thrive and neighborhoods to flourish.