affordable housing

In January, 2004, BCHA purchased College Gardens Apartments, formerly Liberty Heights. Since then the rental community has undergone an aggressive capital improvement program.  The property, located in Dania Beach, has seen such interior changes as installation of new kitchen cabinets and laying of new carpet.  The buildings have been re-roofed and the exterior has received a fresh coat of paint. All improvements have added to the marketability of the units, which are now fully occupied.  BCHA has taken over all leasing, management and maintenance functions.  In the capable hands of an experienced housing manager, this affordable development has served to maintain 60 plus units in Broward's affordable housing stock.

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Movement to replace the distressed 190 unit Crystal Lake Gardens development with a modern, mixed income community of one, two, three and four bedroom apartments and six single-family homes is coming along on schedule. Approximately a year ago, BCHA's Board of Commissioners authorized the Authority to develop a plan to demolish the obsolete Public Housing site and create a new complex with many of the amenities found in new market-rate construction.
The demolition and reconstruction of Crystal Lakes is projected to total approximately $27 million and combine funds from sources such as Federal Tax Credits, HOME dollars from Broward County and the City of Hollywood, and Broward County SHIP funds. Relocation of current residents has been completed. Redevelopment of the Crystal Lakes site will give a boost to the Liberia neighborhood of Hollywood, and it is hoped that this will encourage other property owners to upgrade as well.
When complete, the joint venture with Pinnacle Housing Group should enhance surrounding property values and offer an outstanding opportunity to make safe, attractive and affordable housing options available to local families.

To view the Crystal Lake Redevelopment Fact Sheet, please click here. The fact sheet is in pdf format and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.

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Tallman Pines A truly 'out of the box' customized housing initiative is under construction in Deerfield Beach, Fl. Public and private interests have intersected to address the need for affordable housing in the Tallman Pines neighborhood of South Florida. This development project, situated adjacent to a newly formed nature preserve, will offer residents an A+ quality of life.

The Tallman Pines neighborhood is a well maintained, single family community with a proud history. All planning for the fifty million dollar development considered the benefit for the residents and the larger community. The development is the largest and most complex project ever approved by the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. The Housing Authority engaged the highly regarded Carlisle Group development team to continue tradition of neighborhood excellence. The development plan includes both market rate and affordable homeownership, and apartments boasting the latest conveniences, amenities and aesthetics. The Carlisle Group immediately redesigned the existing site to make way for a resident walking trail to surround the nature preserve. A public roadway and all utilities were relocated to create this unique resident amenity. To further reflect the quality of this project within the community, elevators were added in the multifamily design, an expensive rarity in affordable housing, but an important resident amenity in a development of this caliber.

The resident quality of life will be further enhanced by the unique seamless features currently being planned, which include: Employer Assisted Housing (FAH) opportunities; project certification for leadership in energy efficient design and environmentally sound construction (LEED); and eco friendly landscaping with native plants to conserve water and foster overall curb appeal (Nature Scape). The Tallman Pines development will continue a tradition of neighborhood excellence with 21st century improvements to reflect the wonderful quality of life in Deerfield Beach, Fl.