GAINESVILLE – The Gainesville Planning and Appeals Board Tuesday evening unanimously recommended approval of a rezoning request from the Gainesville Housing Authority that will allow for demolition of 60-plus year old Green Hunter Homes, known to many as the Atlanta Street Apartments.
GHA Executive Director Beth Brown explained to the Board that the $1700 annual capital improvement allowance provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for each of the 131 units currently on site was deemed by HUD to be insufficient to repair the problems that exist.
HUD estimates that $18.1-million would be needed to bring all units to current codes standards, much more than they care to spend.
“HUD concurs with the GHA’s determination that the buildings are physically deteriorated and no reasonable program of modifications is cost effective,” Brown read from a HUD report.
Brown added, “HUD has encouraged public housing authorities to become creative in how we can meet the need of our public housing.”
That suggestion led GHA to begin seeking private funding partners. Brown said one priority going forth with that idea was seeking out a partner with experience in affordable housing projects.
Walton Communities became GHA’s first choice after contacting ten potential partners.
The 27-year-old Marietta-based affordable housing specialists will construct and manage the proposed community for fifteen years as a 49% stakeholder, after which the development will be turned over to GHA.
“Replacement of the existing housing with new construction will be at no cost to local government’” Brown explained. “By us being able to use low-income tax credits and partnering with a private developer we are going to be able to provide more affordable housing at no cost to the taxpayers.”
Brown said residents began the relocation process last month and the last of those living in the Atlanta Street apartment complex should be moved by this fall.
“Once all the families are moved out we’re going to start with asbestos removal and some environmental work,” Brown said. Then RFP (Request for Pricing) bids will be let to various providers for the various aspects of demolition and construction.
Brown said the shortage of affordable rental housing in the area will make relocating all those affected a challenge. “We have staff dedicated to working one-on-one with our families.”
She said GHA hopes to have construction activity beginning on phase-one of the development by January, 2017. The entire complex will be completed in three distinct phases.
As to anticipated pricing for the 265 apartments in Walton Summit (the name chosen for the complex), Brown said to expect rentals to range from $500 to $800 per month.
Final approval for the rezoning request now goes to the Gainesville City Council.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/4/373694/i-85-sb-closed-at-mm-174-due-to-wreck