Residents can expect to see new housing in East Topeka over the next couple of years.

During the Topeka City County meeting May 20, Topeak leaders unanimously voted to rezone 14.9 acres on the east side of SE Fremont between SE 29th and 31st streets. This rezoning will allow a Hi-Crest housing project to move forward.

New Heights at Fremont Hill and Johnson-Betts Meadows projects are being organized by SENT Inc. executive director Johnathan Sublet/ They are intended to result in multiple forms of affordable housing, including homes and apartments.

SENT has helped throughout the planning process, including hosting public input sessions.

“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,” SENT said in a written statement.

What will the new Hi-Crest housing plan look like?

The Johnson-Betts Meadows project is broken into two parts. The first phase will include nine buildings with a total of 176 units. The units will be 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments, along with a common open space and parking on 10 acres.

Phase two would potentially use 4.8 acres for a community center and future retail, which wouldn’t exceed 30,000 square feet.

New Heights at Fremont Hill will have 48 homes. The three-bedroom homes will start at $185,000 and four-bedroom homes at $195,000. The first 10 homes will break ground this year. This portion of the project is in honor of former Topeka educator and Kansas State Board of Education member Beryl New, according to SENT.

“When you have something good, people are going to want to copy it,” said New in the written statement. “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.”

Topeka leaders and resident support the Hi-Crest project

Councilwoman Sylvia Ortiz said the project is long overdue.

“To see this and to see residents excited and to see this growth, is awesome,” Ortiz said. “And people are going to want to live there. I just want to thank, Johnathan and his crew for doing this and for making this big huge change. It’s much appreciated.”

Councilwoman Karen Hiller said she agreed with Ortiz.

“Way to go,” Hiller said. “Easy to vote yes.”

City documents said the Hi-Crest Neighborhood Improvement Association has given its support for the zone change and the Fremont Hill project. During the April 20 planning commission meeting, others also stated support.

“I cannot say how happy I am to see such a large multifamily development properties being built in Topeka,” Smith said during the planning meeting.