FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - A construction project meant to help low-income families is causing controversy in a South Florida neighborhood.
The lofty goal includes a 600-unit L-shaped building just off Northeast Fourth Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
“I think it would be students that are struggling,” said AIDS Healthcare Foundation spokesperson Imara Canady. “I think it’s folks that work in our restaurant industry that truly cannot afford to live in this city and community where they work.”
The apartments will be what’s known as micro-units, which are similar to efficiencies. Rent would hover around $500 a month.
However, not everybody is on board.
“I’m so not opposed to affordable housing; it is such a necessity,” said neighbor Cici Kelly. “I just want to make sure that we’ve got the schools to support it and the public transportation to support it.”
Opponents believe the $70 million project, though privately funded by a subsidiary by the California-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation, will lower property values and bring crime to the area.
“If we want to love our neighbors, we have to love our neighbors as ourselves,” said neighbor Kevin Cochrane, “which means that they need to have proper housing. Not inadequate, substandard housing. Let’s talk about affordable housing that works for the resident population that it needs to work for.”
The lot sits across Federal Highway from the upscale Rio Vista neighborhood.
Back in November, the Neighborhood Civic Association declared in a letter to Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor Ben Sorensen that it is opposed to the plan.
“Any number of units is a concern,” Sorensen said. “Do we have the infrastructure? Do we have the capacity to support them? So that’s job number one when we look at any project. It’s just a matter of what’s the right model. What’s the right location? What are the right services? That’s part of what residents are really seeking.”
Still, those in support of the project insist that prospective residents will have to submit to background checks before being approved.
“This will be a safe environment,” Canady said. “People who apply to live in this development will be vetted to ensure that they meet the qualifications that’s established.”
A meeting was held on Monday evening to answer questions regarding the plan.
Just before the meeting, dozens of supporters gathered near Fort Lauderdale City Hall with signs that read, “#LOVETHYNEIGHBOR.”
“Healthy housing for all!” the supporters chanted.
Plans for the apartment building are still in the early stages.
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