Affordable housing options for low-income seniors to increase in Pinellas County soon.
Local low-income seniors are poised to benefit from a substantial expansion in affordable housing options, as several new projects are underway in Pinellas County, Florida. Among these developments, Flats on 4th—a planned 80-unit senior housing complex—will cater specifically to households earning between 40% and 60% of the area median income. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address the housing needs of seniors who often rely on fixed incomes and are especially vulnerable to escalating living costs.
The Pinellas County Housing Authority recently acquired a parcel of undeveloped land in northeast St. Petersburg to facilitate this project. Additionally, the first phase of an 80-unit redevelopment initiative in unincorporated Largo is nearing completion, with demolition of a second phase recently commencing. Neil Brickfield, executive director of the housing authority, emphasized the significance of these projects in securing stable housing for seniors, declaring that the 240 units currently in progress will alleviate concerns about housing stability for older residents.
Brickfield revealed that efforts to enhance affordable housing are ongoing, with three additional projects set to close within the next 90 days. The county reportedly faces one of the highest rates of senior homelessness in Florida, necessitating public-private partnerships to meet the housing demands of its older population.
Flats on 4th will be located at the intersection of 106th Avenue and Fourth Street North in St. Petersburg and represents a collaborative funding effort involving various stakeholders. The project is estimated to cost approximately .5 million, supported by .39 million from the American Rescue Plan Act and .9 million from county funds. Additionally, Archway Partners has secured substantial state and federal financing, totaling million from state sources and .45 million from the National Housing Trust Fund. This financial structure ensures that residents utilizing housing vouchers will have monthly housing costs around 0.
While construction on Flats on 4th is just beginning, another project, Heritage Oaks, is set to open soon. Ground was broken for this development in May 2024, marking an essential phase in the comprehensive redevelopment of the historic Rainbow Village. This initiative is particularly crucial given the area’s historical significance, which dates back to the settlement of Black citrus workers in the 1940s. Each phase of the redevelopment will replace outdated housing, resulting in modern units that remain affordable for those earning approximately ,000 for a two-person household.
As groundbreaking continues for more housing units, including Ridgecrest Oaks, Brickfield reiterated the overarching goal of establishing long-term security for seniors. Through collaborative efforts among various agencies and funding bodies, the Pinellas County Housing Authority is committed to delivering quality, affordable housing solutions that improve the living conditions of vulnerable residents.
This concerted approach aims to make attainable housing accessible, assisting senior citizens in meeting their basic housing needs without the burden of excessive financial strain. As Brickfield noted, the mission remains a challenging endeavor, but the commitment to improving the housing landscape for seniors in Pinellas County is stronger than ever.
