The City of Tallahassee’s efforts for affordable housing continue to receive mixed reviews near Lake Bradford and Kissimmee Street on the southside. In September, the city approved a $961,300 housing project for low-income families, individuals and seniors. The four-story housing development aims to help decrease the current housing crisis by providing affordable developments for residents.
The demand for housing is evident for residents here in Tallahassee. Rent prices continue to increase, making it harder for individuals to afford homes in local areas. As more residents lose financial stability, the ongoing shortage of affordable units for community members leaves concerns for more affordable housing.
The Elmington Capitol Group, in collaboration with the Tallahassee Housing Authority, is proposing a 158-unit development known as the Lake Bradford Apartments. The development will feature walk-in closets, granite countertops, balconies, patios, community space and a fitness center. The new complex will provide amenities that will make a comfortable space for the community. Meanwhile, according to the city commission, the development will offer an employment assistance program, a financial management program, and a homeownership opportunity program that’ll allow renters to receive five percent of the rent they pay towards purchasing a home.
Photo Courtesy: Joel Mitchell
Shawn Noels, the Program Director for Tallahassee Veterans Village, shares his thoughts on affordable housing in the Lake Bradford area.
“I think it’s a great idea. Tallahassee is in need of some affordable housing units,” he said. “For example, projects where homeless and veterans and other people are trying to go through programs to try and get back on their feet, but it’s extremely tough because of the lack of affordable housing.”
The units will provide low-income individuals the stability they need to provide for themselves and their families. K. Lenorris Barber, the executive director of Mount Olive Affordable Housing and Community Development Corporation, shares in-depth insights on what the units are created for.
“102 units are for families at or below 80 percent AMI, then another 17 at below 60 percent, and then 39 units are below 30 percent, and that’s significant for many numbers to be below 30 percent, because they are so burdened by housing,” he said.
While the project has gained full support from local advocates and housing directors, it has also raised concerns from local business owners and neighborhood residents. Ray Daniels, Business owner of Bumper to Bumper, raises his concern of what the impact of this new development will have on his business when the project goes into effect.
“The impact this will have on the community over here is more drugs in the neighborhood, being that there’s already a high-rated drug area over here,” he said.
According to the Tallahassee Police Department, at least 16 active calls were reported for crime-related activities, with about 450 total calls in the past 24 hours.
The new affordable apartments will soon be located at 1131- 1139 Kissimmee Street along Lake Bradford Rd and will be set to commence construction in January 2025 and be completed at the end of October 2026.