The Retreat at Union Pond apartments will be holding an informational meeting for prospective tenants from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 18, at the Wareham Free Library.

The anticipated occupancy date for the apartments is November 1, according to Cheri Macedo at Gatehouse Development, but the development is currently seeking tenants.

Because the project received funding under the state's Chapter 40-B law, which exempts developers creating affordable housing from many local zoning restrictions in towns where less than 10% of the housing stock is deemed to be affordable, Wareham residents have "first pick" at the 104 affordable apartments. (There will be a two lists of potential tenants for the apartments, one of which includes only Wareham residents.  This list will be used first to select occupants.)

The development was also granted a density variance because it created affordable housing.  The property is a 15-acre site on the Cranberry Highway and was allowed up to 144 units.  Were the property to be conventionally developed as single-family homes, the zoning would allow for 10-15 lots.

Rents start at $895 for a one-bedroom apartment, $995 for a two-bedroom apartment, and $1195 for a three-bedroom apartment.  Gas and electric are not included.

Federal limits for rent (including tenant-paid utilities) deemed to be "affordable" in Wareham are maximums of $1,162 for a one-bedroom apartment, $1,327 for a two-bedroom apartment, and $1,494 for a three-bedroom apartment in 2010, according to the Boston Redevelopment Authority.

However, Wareham is considered part of the Boston Metropolitan Statistical Area by the US Census Bureau, which sets these rent limits.  So affordability limits - which are devised from housing-stock and income-level figures from Wareham as well as more tony communities in the region - may not accurately reflect the rate for rental units in Wareham.

According to Gatehouse, the apartments include ceramic tile, ceiling fans, Berber carpeting, washers and dryers, decorator-designed kitchens, and they are wired for FiOS TV, internet, and phone.

Site amenities include a clubhouse, fitness center, business center with computers, and playground.

All are welcome at the meeting.  For more information, please call 508-295-7000.