Thrive
Ribbon cutting held for senior affordable housing project
The development offers 80 units for elders who earn 60% or less of the Area Median Income.
A new affordable housing project for seniors is the first step in redeveloping Rainbow Village, an older community in Largo.
Pinellas County Housing Authority and Newstar Development representatives came together Thursday to celebrate the opening of Heritage Oaks at a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The $31 million development, at 13060 Washington Drive, offers 80 one and two-bedroom units for seniors who earn 60% or less of the Area Median Income. It additionally has amenities such as a dog park and fitness center.
“The property was one of the first Pinellas County Housing Authority public housing complexes. It had 200 units and helped thousands of families by providing them a place to safely raise their kids,” the organization’s executive director Neil Brickfield explained to the Catalyst. “The apartments were just tired and it was time for something new.”
Rainbow Village was originally built in the 1960s. The Pinellas County Housing Authority began to work on the redevelopment project in 2007.
“The cost to maintain Rainbow Village was not worth it,” added Newstar Development vice president of development Justin Corder. “The Pinellas County Housing Authority was putting good money toward a project that eventually needed to be torn down.”
Heritage Oaks, which replaces 48 units, is the first of four phases. Once all are complete, there will be approximately 400 units for individuals and families. The project is part of the Greater Ridgecrest Master Plan, a long-term partnership between residents and the Pinellas County government focused on revitalizing the unincorporated Largo community.
Additionally, it is a component of the Advantage Pinellas Housing Compact, a partnership between Pinellas County and its municipalities to help individuals find affordable homes.
Heritage Oaks offers 80 units for seniors who earn 60% or less of the Area Median Income.
“Pinellas County has a tremendous need for affordable senior housing,” Brickfield said. “We wanted to make sure the biggest need was addressed.”
Some former residents have been able to move back to the property.
The complex officially received a certificate of occupancy in November. Residents then began to start moving in. By the end of December, all of the units were leased, Corder explained.
The Pinellas County Housing Authority and Newstar Development have collaborated with partners such as Meals on Wheels to improve the overall living experience for residents, he added.
“My journey here started about 18 months ago when I could no longer afford to live in my apartment because of my fixed income,” said resident Yvette Feazell at the Thursday event, “and there weren’t many options for seniors so I have to go live with my daughter, her husband and her four children.”
This led Feazell to explore new communities. After doing research, she realized that the Pinellas County Housing Authority was accepting applications for Heritage Oaks. Once Feazell filled out an application, she was approved and even got to select her own unit.
Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners chair Dave Eggers was among the elected officials who also attended the ceremony.
“If you look at the task at hand, it’s overwhelming,” he said. “But, each development makes a huge difference to individuals and families.”
