HUD awards $30 million grant to Housing Authority, City of Fort Myers

FORT MYERS, Fla. - May 26, 2021 - PRLog -- The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers (HACFM) and the City of Fort Myers have been awarded a $30 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that will help fund a major revitalization project within the greater Dunbar community.

The Greater Dunbar Initiative is a comprehensive transformation plan for the large-scale revitalization of the 37-acre, 199-unit Southward Village into a mixed-income community, which improves existing affordable housing units for residents while expanding choices, creating market-rate amenities, and adding new mixed-income housing to create a resilient and healthy neighborhood moving forward.

HACFM and the City of Fort Myers were joined by nearly 50 community leaders, residents and local stakeholders to participate in HUD's grant selection process, which included a virtual site visit. The initiative was selected as one of just five initiatives across the country, and the only one in Florida, to receive the coveted grant through HUD's Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant program.

"This initiative is a prime example of the shared vision we have to move our city forward in an equitable manner," said City of Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson. "The City of Fort Myers and the Housing Authority partnered with numerous community agencies to compete for this grant, and we proved that when we work together, we can achieve great things. I am thankful we can now include the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development among the growing alliance of partners to revitalize this Dunbar neighborhood."

The initiative ties together market preferences, resident needs and community reinvestment to transform the community into an equitable, desirable and proud neighborhood that meets the needs of all residents. The plan includes 375 new mixed-income apartments, supported with new infrastructure and complemented with amenities. In addition to improved housing, The initiative will increase access to services like education, employment and health care. The plan also includes construction of a new grocery store, revitalization of the Farmer's Market and added retail, dining and entertainment to increase the economic opportunity through healthy lifestyles. Lastly, the transformation will enhance connectivity and visibility through targeted investments along Edison Avenue, Veronica Shoemaker Boulevard and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

"HACFM is excited to receive a grant of this magnitude and be afforded the opportunity to lead the region in promoting urban revitalization through the deconcentrating of poverty," said Marcia Davis, executive director of HACFM. "The greater Dunbar community is rich in history, surrounds key growth corridors for Fort Myers and acts as a gateway into downtown Fort Myers. This funding will support new opportunities for Dunbar residents and this region as a whole."

More: www.HACFM.org