For Immediate Release
Contact: Lauren Hames 407-246-3106

WHO: ORLANDO MAYOR BUDDY DYER

WHAT: HOPE VI GRANT INITIATIVES

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2004

WHERE: 9 A.M.
755 W. GORE ST.
CARVER PARK GROUNDBREAKING

11 A.M.
325 N. HILLSIDE AVE.
ORLANDO HOUSING AUTHORITY RIBBON-CUTTING


ORLANDO, FL (December 7, 2004) – Mayor Buddy Dyer Wednesday will kick off two initiatives funded through federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Hope VI grants.

At 9 a.m., Mayor Dyer will break ground for Carver Park, a 17-acre mixed-income housing development, in Parramore. In 2003, the City of Orlando and the Orlando Housing Authority were granted an $18 million grant from HUD for this project. The Orlando City Council provided an additional $1.8 million for the project to underwrite a significant amount of the infrastructure costs, including helping build underground utilities, developing the street grid and creating a park with a pond.

At 11 a.m., he will help cut the ribbon for 48 new units of the Villas, a senior rental housing development that is part of the Hampton Park HOPE VI grant. The 48-unit development will provide safe, attractive and affordable housing.

The HOPE VI Program was developed as a result of recommendations by the National Commission on Severely Distressed Public Housing. The Commission recommended revitalization in three general areas: physical improvements, management improvements and social and community services to address resident needs. For more information, please visit www.hud.gov.

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