Grand Opening Planned for DHA’s Fairway Gardens Apartments

DUNEDIN, FLORIDA – The Dunedin Housing Authority (DHA) will dedicate Fairway Gardens, a low-income housing development, at a grand opening celebration planned for 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 2, 2011, at 110 Lady Mary Drive North in Clearwater. DHA Board Chairman David Kelly, Dunedin Mayor David Eggers and Clearwater Housing Authority (CHA) Board Chairman Robert Aude will be featured speakers before the ceremonial ribbon cutting will take place.

Located minutes from downtown Dunedin and downtown Clearwater, the Fairway Gardens development includes two buildings with a total of 20 one- and two- bedroom apartments. DHA is leasing 15 of the units to public housing eligible families with incomes from zero to 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). The remaining five units are part of DHA’s affordable housing program, serving families up to 150 percent of the AMI. Dunedin residents, as well as those who work in Dunedin, receive preference.

Chairman Kelly said, “There is a definite need for affordable rental housing in this region, and DHA is proud to be offering new options for people, especially residents of Dunedin, who are looking for quality, safe and sustainable housing. We also are thankful for the strong relationship established between DHA and the Clearwater Housing Authority, as we both strive to fulfill our missions of service in this region.”

After opening Fairway Garden’s public housing wait list from March 1 to May 24, DHA received 135 applications. The first six public housing residents are scheduled to move in to their new apartments during the week of June 1, and the remaining public housing units will be filled in the following weeks.

The affordable housing units, all of which feature two-bedrooms, currently are available for rent at the below-market rate of $675 per month. Interested renters are encouraged to call DHA’s property management office at 727-217-7254 or check the development’s website at www.fairway-gardens.com. Housing Choice Vouchers, also known as Section 8, will be accepted for these five units. Residents who formerly lived at Highlander Village are encouraged to apply.

DHA purchased the two buildings for $730,000 in October 2010 and is investing approximately $150,000 in renovations. The upgrades to the apartments include fresh paint, updated cabinetry and countertops, new flooring, and HVAC systems.

About Dunedin Housing Authority (SPHA):

The Dunedin Housing Authority (DHA) was created in 1966 to provide safe, decent and affordable housing for low-income residents in the city of Dunedin. A governing body of commissioners, made up of five volunteers who are appointed by the Mayor of Dunedin and confirmed by the City Commission, develops the policies and goals of the housing authority. DHA’s income is derived from tenant rents, federal subsidies, grants, and investments. DHA does not receive operating income from the city of Dunedin or the state of Florida. DHA is an Equal Opportunity Housing Provider. For more information about DHA, please visit the agency’s website at http://www.stpeteha.org/DHA.htm.