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Pinellas County OKs funding new affordable housing projects, totals $23.4M commitment
The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners has approved using millions of dollars through the Penny for Pinellas taxes to be allocated to four new affordable housing projects.
Earlier this week, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners approved the funding from the Penny for Pinellas tax, which is a 1% sales tax paid by everyone who spends money within the county. The taxes are used for capital infrastructure projects.
During last week’s board meeting, four other projects were approved by the board to fund up to $12.3 million. In a previous application round, four other projects were approved for over $11 million. Approval of the new projects brings the total committed amount to $23.4 million to produce 884 affordable units.
Here’s more information on the specific projects approved earlier this week, according to Pinellas County records:
Whispering Pines Apartments
- The project would be located at 2655 54th Ave. S. in St. Petersburg
- It would have 20 units for those earning under 60% of the area’s median income, which the area median income for a household of four is $72,700.
- Penny funds approved: $680,000
Sixty90 on Central
- The project would be located at 6090 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg
- It would have 42 units restricted to 61% to 80% to those earning under the area’s median income, 141 units will be dedicated for those who earn below 120% of the median income, and 21 units will be at market rate.
- Penny funds approved: $3.5 million
Innovare
- The project would be located at 5th Ave. S & Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. S. in St. Petersburg
- It would have 51 units under 60% of the area’s median income
- Penny funds approved: $1 million
Oakhurst Trace
- The project would be located at U.S. Highway 19 N. in Pinellas Park
- It would have 220 units for those earning at or below 60% of the area’s median income.
- Penny funds approved: $6.75 million
Over the next decade, an estimated $80 million from the Penny will be invested to spur future developments of affordable homes, according to the county.
Read more here about the city of St. Pete’s plans for affordable housing over the next year
Ken Schaefer
June 28, 2021at9:38 pm
I’d go for these projects, but they suck up all the penny money. I want the Pinellas Trail repaved and beautified equally, and firstly, with these other projects
Levy Sid
June 28, 2021at7:27 am
Money not well invested… we need less housing in The county and more Police, road improvements, schools… overcrowded county bringing more people in … just not a good decision…
Deborah Dean
June 27, 2021at11:30 am
What kind of management will these affordable housing projects have? I’m all for providing affordable housing but also realize that many of these projects end up being ill-cared for & horrible places for people to live.
Brian Petersen
June 26, 2021at10:30 am
Ive not seen anything about senior housing downtown st pete