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Public Housing Update
Allen Wilson to remain and
to be new and improved
Allen Wilson was occupied in 1941 and Swanton Heights
was occupied in 1970. The two complexes together
represented 288 units of housing from 1-5 bedrooms.
At almost
69 years old Allen Wilson still
provides sound, affordable housing in a great location:
however, despite major upgrades starting in 1970 the
units are functionally obsolete. Rooms are small;
closets are small, plumbing pipes are not designed for
washing machines and the time and cost to maintain the
buildings and units is increasing.
The Housing Authority does not believe the
answer is to do away with this irreplaceable resource;
however, it must join the 21st century.
Therefore, the Housing Authority has a plan
for the phased replacement of the units in Allen Wilson
on the current site. In 3 phases the Authority will
move residents on-site with approximately 40 residents
having the option to relocate using section 8
Housing Choice Vouchers with the ability to return when
Phase 3 is complete. The Authority, has worked with
others, to assist these residents to
maximize their opportunity to remain in Decatur. The 3
phases will start over approximately a 6 year period
with the first phase being 40 new units. As units are
completed existing residents will move into them,
allowing their old units to be demolished to make way
for the next phase.
When we are done, 288 public housing units
will exist. The units will be grouped in 3 story buildings
and the elderly will have their own approximately 80 unit, 4 story
building with the Authority’s on-site management and
maintenance operations in it. There will be a central
green space, on-site parking and the complex will be
designed to blend with Decatur’s downtown concept.
Unfortunately, there is no “pot of gold at
the end of the rainbow” or at HUD. Therefore, the
Authority is aggressively combining various sources and
types of funding to make this plan a reality. An
important part of that is the use of approximately
one-third of the site, the north end, for a condo
development of approximately 150 units, some of which
would be life cycle units. The proceeds from the sale
of this land will help fund the building of the new
public housing units.
The plan is complex, has lots of moving
parts, and requires a lot of work in each phase to
bring it to fruitition. The
Authority has received the support of its residents (the
seniors are real excited about getting their own
building), the City, and from a lot of Decatur
citizens. We are gratified by the support for this
important neighborhood in Decatur and will continue to
work to answer any questions that arise. We plan to
have Allen Wilson become an even more important and
vibrant part of the great City of Decatur!
CURRENT STATUS - PHASE 1
The Housing Authority is finalizing the financing
approvals to construct the 40 public housing units that
comprise phase 1. With 6 sources of funds and
approvals needed, as well as other needed
approvals/actions the process has been very lengthy and
involved. Approvals are being finalized with a
planned closing of the financing no later than March 17,
2010.
A construction start is planned for March, 2010.
Demolition of Phase 1 is almost complete and all
residents were relocated primarily during the summer of
2009.
CURRENT STATUS - PHASE
2
Planning for Phase 2, the 4 story senior building has
started. The Authority plans to apply for low
income housing tax credits in May, 2010.
The exterior design, floor plans and amenity space is
80% complete, the seniors have reviewed the plans and
continue to be excited over this planned building.
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