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Land beckons affordable units
Developers have been invited to submit ideas for 3 city-owned acres in Midtown.
By JON WILSON
Published August 27, 2006
ST. PETERSBURG - Hoping to augment the city's affordable-housing stock, officials want a developer to build homes for people who earn less than the median income. Townhomes are envisioned for 3.1 acres at 13th Avenue S and 21st Street, right behind the Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center. New development regulations are expected to allow 27 units per acre. The homes would generally be reserved for households with an income of no more than 80 percent of the median, as figured by city housing programs. For a family of four, that would mean an annual income of $43,500 or less, according to current figures - which are subject to change. "If (developers are) building at this time next year, there could be a new median income," said Mike Dove, a deputy mayor. About two weeks ago, officials invited developers to submit their ideas. The deadline is Nov. 13. Construction might start in 12 to 18 months, officials say. "I know there's interest. As soon as somebody can get on that land, I think they'll probably start," Dove said. He couldn't recall another affordable-housing project in Midtown initiated by the city. The property is city-owned and close to several new projects along 22nd Street S, including the Sweetbay Supermarket at 18th Avenue. New housing is important to rejuvenate neighborhoods, said Goliath Davis, deputy mayor for Midtown. "To have businesses, you need rooftops. We need to get ample housing in the area," Davis said. He said community approval of the housing emerged during meetings officials held with residents, and some of their ideas were included in the request for developers to submit proposals. It's not certain whether the city will sell or lease the land. "We're trying to see what the best option is," Davis said. "I would suggest it would either have to be a lease or a pretty reasonable sale."
[Last modified August 26, 2006, 20:59:19]
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