BROWARD COUNTY, FL – (RealEstateRama) — Eighteen happy families were officially welcomed to their new homes in Franklin Park Estates today. The three bedroom, two bath, two car garage homes were made possible through the efforts of Broward County, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Broward Housing Finance Authority.
“This is a big step forward as we transform Central Broward County and the unincorporated area. Not only are we building housing, we’re providing funding to assist small businesses in our community. Our goal is to build quality homes, provide job opportunities and training and work together to bring a better quality of life for those who live here,” said Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness at a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the new development.
The $4.3 million investment by Broward County and its partners in Franklin Park follows the construction of twenty-one new affordable homes in nearby Roosevelt Gardens and Washington Park at a cost of $4.5 million. The homes were made available with purchase assistance to qualified income eligible families. Franklin Park Estates is located at the SE corner of NW 27th Avenue and W. Sunrise Boulevard, in the Broward Municipal Services District.
“I am full of joy today,” said Pastor Jimmy Witherspoon, one of eighteen people whose name was chosen from a lottery of forty applicants.
“Our goal is bring community development, economic development and redevelopment to the municipal services district,” said Assistant Broward County Administrator, Alphonso Jefferson.
The 1500-square-foot homes were built by local developer, Access Builders, Incorporated and are energy efficient with new ENERGY STAR appliances, ceiling fans, high-efficiency air conditioners and “WaterSense” fixtures. Each home is also beautifully landscaped with big backyards, private fencing and hurricane resistant windows and doors and security features.
The development includes a distinctive safety and sound buffer wall along West Sunrise Boulevard and 27th Avenue North with a decorative gold and black sign welcoming people to “Franklin Park Estates.”
“There are eighteen very happy new homeowners in Broward County today. With the support of the Broward County Commission, the HFA Board and the State of Florida, investment in the Franklin Park neighborhood made the dream of homeownership a reality,” said Ralph Stone, Broward County Housing Finance and Community Development Division Director.
“Home ownership in Central Broward County has long been a priority for me and for the residents of Central Broward County. Owning a home is part of the American Dream, it gives a sense of pride, stability, and security. These homes will not only revitalize the area, but shows that investing in our communities brings about positive results,” said Holness.
Broward County has built a total of eighty-eight affordable homes with an estimated value of $16.1 million dollars in affordable housing construction over the past ten years.
About Broward Municipal Services District
Broward Municipal Services District, formerly known as Unincorporated Broward County, consists of 11.4 square miles area with a 2015 estimated population of approximately 14,515*. The Broward County Board of County Commissioners is the governing body of the district and the provider of its municipal services which include but are not limited to business and housing development, libraries and parks facilities, roadway maintenance, street enhancements, and zoning and code enforcement.
About Housing Finance and Community Development
Broward County’s Housing Finance and Community Development Division is responsible for administering the housing programs of both the Housing Finance Authority of Broward County, Florida, and the Broward County Commission. The purpose of the Division is to provide housing which persons and families of low, moderate or middle income can afford. For more information, call 954-357-4900 or visit our website.
*Population estimates were obtained from University of Florida, 2015 Bureau of Economic and Business Research and land area was generated by the Planning and Development Management Division GIS Section using the latest annexation information (September 2015).
MEDIA CONTACT: Kimberly Maroe
Public Information Manager, Broward County Commission
PHONE: (954) 357-8053
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