Sustainable Communities Associates is nearing completion of the financing stage in its plans for construction and development on Oberlin’s east side.

SCA, which is comprised of Oberlin graduates, Ben Enzinga, Naomi Sabel and Josh Rosen recently received a $1.5 million dollar donation from an anonymous donor. According to Rosen, the donor is an Oberlin alumnus who “shares our vision for affordable development and green design.”

They have also received a $200,000 special purpose federal grant from the 2004 U.S. Omnibus Spending Bill.

The three predict that financing for the project will be completed within the next 90 days.SCA currently owns or has options to buy all of the properties on their proposed East College Street site which includes the Rax restaurant, the Jack Knight Dry Cleaner’s and what was the Schubert Buick Dealership.

Their plan calls for the development of 65 housing units and half a block of storefront commerical space. They are currently working to market Oberlin to businesses in Cleveland which are looking to expand.

Nearly all private donations received so far have been through Oberlin alumni.

“It’s wonderful that Oberlin alumni have chosen to give to the town as a way of benefiting the College,” Sabel said. “After three years of work its amazing to finally tie all of these elements together.