Recap: September 19 Visioning Workshop Community Meeting

L. Claudia Allen Senior Center

Rhae Parkes from EJP reviewed a presentation (found here) and the following questions were asked during the presentation:

Questions + Answers 

• How long after you complete the Choice Neighborhoods Transformation will it take to start implementation?
  This is very difficult to predict at this stage. This is a two-year planning process that will be completed in September 2025. Lift, OHA, and the City will keep residents and community members informed about implementation steps and potential timelines as details of the plan get firmed.

• How does the plan affect homeowners?
  The plan is still in development so it is not yet clear what goals and strategies will eventually emerge. However, the Housing Working Group will be looking at ways to support existing homeowners and the Neighborhood Working Group will be developing strategies to improve physical conditions in the neighborhood, spurring economic development, and improving community safety – all of which will affect homeowners.

• Is there a plan to do more single family homes in addition to rental?
  While the plan is not yet complete and, therefore, specific details are still being worked out, the Housing Working Group will be looking at ways to grow affordable homeownership opportunities in the neighborhood as part of the plan.

• One participant stated that she lived at another OHA redevelopment site and was promised a Section 8 voucher but never received it.
  OHA responded that they do not get vouchers until HUD approves demolition.

• How is competition to purchase land?
  It is difficult to assemble land at the scale required for redevelopment, but we are working hard to find just the right site and have several sites in play. 

• Why were past applications for funding submitted by OHA to HUD not approved?
  According to OHA, one of the biggest challenges has been demonstrating severe distress since they work very hard to maintain the properties even though they are old and outdated.

• One participant referenced the branding process and expressed concern about using the term “heritage” and added that the history of the area should not be taken for granted.

• Have you consulted engineers and EPA before tearing down Lake Mann Homes? Raised concern about contamination at Carver Court and failure to complete the project 20 years later. Also worried about the potential impacts of demolition on neighbors.
  OHA encapsulated the soil at Carver Court in compliance with FDEP. Ms. Bryant also noted that OHA could have moved forward to build market rate housing on the site but instead OHA wanted to keep the housing affordable and has been unable to secure the subsidies required to move forward. Before OHA moves forward with demolition at Lake Mann Homes and Lorna Doone Apartments, they will complete the required testing and, if necessary, remediate in order to secure a city permit.

• Why is funding going to start something new when other OHA redevelopment projects have not yet been completed? There was a request for OHA to schedule a meeting to further discuss Carver Court.

• Where will children who attend Washington Shores Elementary go to school during construction?
  The school is one of the planning partners in this process. OHA and partners will develop a detailed relocation plan to support residents during the relocation process. We can also consider the phasing of the redevelopment so that it disrupts families as little as possible. 

• One participant expressed concerns about the impact of the plan on the history of the neighborhood, on Washington Shores Elementary, and on property value and taxes for existing homeowners. 

• How many CN implementation grants are awarded per year and what is the timeline?
  The number of awards varies from year to year depending on appropriations from Congress but is generally between 3 and 6 awards per year. The timing also changes each year but in the past few years applications have been due in January/February.

• One participant requested that no homeless shelters should be included in the plan. 

• One participant expressed the desire to see Lorna Doone Apartments remain residential; did not want to see the property converted to industrial or commercial use.
  HUD requires at minimum a one for one replacement of units, and to qualify for an implementation grant, we would also need to add mixed income units. So while becoming mixed use and adding commercial retail spaces is a possibility, using the properties for industrial or commercial only is not a possibility.

• One participant requested to stop planting trees and replacing mulch.

• There was a request to schedule a follow-up meeting with the City.
  Lift and OHA will work to set up a meeting with the City.

The group participated in a series of Visioning Exercises by visiting each station to give feedback. A summary of the information collected can be found here.