Affordable Housing Plan Moves Slowly

LAKE WALES, FL - The Lake Wales Housing Authority has taken the next step toward construction of an affordable living complex on the site of the Sunrise Park housing project, which was demolished in 2004. Construction will not happen any time soon. Under the best of circumstances, construction could begin in August 2009, but that requires jumping through a lot of hoops.

During a meeting this week, Housing Authority commissioners approved a resolution authorizing Executive Director Al Kirkland Jr. to apply for tax credits, which will be needed to qualify for low-interest loans. Kirkland also was told to seek proposals from contractors for the design and construction of the project, which he estimates will cost $15 million to $25 million. Housing Authority officials will not know before April 2009 whether their agency qualifies for the tax credits from the Florida Housing Finance Corp.

According to the FHFC Web site, "The competitive Housing Credit program provides for-profit and nonprofit organizations with a dollar-for-dollar reduction in federal tax liability in exchange for the acquisition and substantial rehabilitation, substantial rehabilitation or new construction of affordable rental housing units." The corporation said that special consideration is given to properties that target groups such as the elderly, homeless and farmworkers.

During a meeting Wednesday night, Carolyne Tanner of the Meridian Appraisal Group of Winter Springs detailed a market study supporting the need for such a project in Lake Wales. Tanner proposed a two-phase development, with 102 units devoted to low-income families and 100 units for elderly residents. The elderly complex would be separate, with buildings including elevators and other amenities designed for seniors.

Commissioners are considering a different mix, noting that regulations would prohibit children from living in the elderly part of the complex. That would prevent grandparents from raising grandchildren. Commissioner Deming Cowles said the Authority could reduce the elderly portion to as few as 50 units. The 100-unit Sunrise Park complex was demolished and the 17-acre site cleared after Hurricane Charley. Tanner said city zoning for the property at Burns Avenue and Old Scenic Highway would allow 12 units per acre.