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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Fresno Housing Authority Dedicates
WHO: The Fresno Housing Authority, area dignitaries, and special guest Sandra B. Henriquez, Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
WHAT: Official dedication of Parc Grove Commons, the newest 215-unit development offering high quality housing for residents with incomes at or below 60% of the area median income.
WHERE: 2674 E. Clinton Avenue, Fresno CA. Main intersections: Clinton and Fresno Streets
WHEN: Monday, April 11, 2011 - Dedication begins at 2:30 p.m.
Complete event details are as follows:
Public Tours Noon to 2:15 p.m.
Dedication/Program 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Reception 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Public Tours 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Please note: Media tours may begin as early as 10:00 a.m.
Parc Grove Commons, a 215-unit residential community of energy-efficient affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families, is built on a 26.4-acre parcel at Clinton and Fresno Streets in central Fresno on the former site of World War II era housing. Today, Parc Grove Commons, features one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom townhomes and apartments with garages and all units incorporate green-building techniques with high-efficiency, energy-saving designs.
Individual amenities include energy-efficient appliances, stacked washers and dryers, dual pane windows, upgraded flooring, and cost-saving central heating and air conditioning. The family-oriented development features a 6,710 square foot community building, an all-purpose room, learning center, computer lab, fitness center, offices and a commercial kitchen. The development also includes a collegiate-sized swimming pool, basketball courts, picnic areas, protected children's play areas, and extensive landscaping throughout the complex.
As part of Fresno's continuing commitment to redevelop blighted neighborhoods, the Fresno Housing Authority chose the 65-year old Funston Place and Funston Terrace public housing complexes as candidates for a total makeover. The dilapidated buildings were removed in 2005 and a groundbreaking ceremony took place in February of 2010.
Overall development costs for the project total more than $37 million. The Fresno Housing Authority partnered with local, state, and federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Better Opportunities Builder (BOB), the City of Fresno, Wells Fargo Community Lending and Investing, Wachovia Affordable Housing Community Development Corporation, and the California Community Reinvestment Corporation.
The first 87 units began lease up in March, 2011, and the remaining 128 units will be available for families in May. There are currently more than 3,000 applicants on a waiting list to join the Parc Grove Commons community.
"Parc Grove Commons is the most significant housing development in our agency's history. Providing the highest quality of affordable housing in our area is what the Fresno Housing Authority is all about. Today, we celebrate and rejoice as we officially dedicate this gift to the people of Fresno," said Ruben Scott, Chair of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Fresno.
Preston Prince, Executive Director of the Housing Authorities of the City and County of Fresno, echoed Scott's excitement. "Parc Grove Commons is a game changer for the Fresno Housing Authority. This $40 million development not only created a number of employment opportunities in our community, but allowed us to leverage the efforts of a dozen partners and is the new mode of operations for our agency."
About the Fresno Housing Authority
Fresno Housing Authority is a public agency helping more than 16,000 low to moderate-income families throughout the city and county of Fresno afford housing, offering them the opportunity to live in diverse neighborhoods and creating vibrant communities throughout the city and county. As the 5th largest housing authority in California and one of the 60 largest in the U.S., the Fresno Housing Authority is one of more than 3,400 housing authorities located in cities and counties throughout the United States. Housing authorities play a crucial role in providing affordable housing and in driving community revitalization by creating and renovating affordable housing, attracting private investment, and developing innovative programs that assist and encourage families to become self sufficient. Fresno Housing Authority is led by a Board of Commissioners appointed by the Mayor of Fresno and the Fresno County Board of Supervisors
For more information: www.hafresno.org
