GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – The City of Gainesville and Gainesville Housing Authority (GHA) announced Friday morning that they have received a $500,000 federal housing grant.
The United States Department of Housing and Development (HUD) Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant is designed to help the selected community experience revitalization to housing and supports the investment in quality education programs including early education, public transportation, job accessibility and more.
The transformation plans must focus on the HUD’s three main objectives which are housing, people, and the neighborhood.
“We are excited to work alongside the City of Gainesville, our residents, neighbors and community partners to create an implementable plan that will bring a brighter future for our community,” said Pamela Davis, CEO of the GHA.
The city of Gainesville was one out of 14 chosen during what they say was a highly competitive process.
Lake Terrace and Pine Meadows are two of the targeted housing sites for redevelopment and improvement.
“This is exactly the sort of transformational opportunity I had in mind when I made the motion nearly two years ago for the city to partner with the Gainesville Housing Authority. It’s the kind of visionary, working relationship that HUD tends to reward and that will change thousands of lives for the better in our city,” said Mayor Ward.
$150,000 of the grant is dedicated to an “Early Action Project” to help have a more immediate impact on the community.
So, what happens next?
The planning process now begins and will last over two years. The process allows the planning team to develop a specific plan for the East University Avenue neighborhood, while allowing residents and the community to engage and provide their input.
After the planning, the city then can apply for a Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant that ranges from $30 to $50 million to put the plan into action.