10 Jul Affordable housing grows in Northwest Gardens neighborhood
Affordable housing is rejuvenating the Northwest Gardens neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale. Urban blight throttled the area in the heart of Sistrunk roughly 10 years ago. Today, redevelopment has provided homes for more than 1,500 residents.
“Improved housing and vibrant community partnerships have resulted in lower crime, better school test scores and a happier, healthier community,” said Tam English, executive director of the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale.
Officials recently celebrated the completion of the fifth phase of the Northwest Gardens Sustainable Neighborhood project, which added 100 units. Additionally, the 10-year master plan was completed three years ahead of schedule.
During the ribbon cutting ceremony, a 266-unit complex built during Phase 2 and 4 was rededicated in honor of social justice champion Dr. William H. Lindsey.
Additionally, the Northwest Gardens neighborhood received the first LEED-ND (neighborhood development) pre-certification in the state of Florida, second in the US, and will achieve LEED-ND Gold certification now that it is complete.
“We’ve assembled an amazing team of partners, community and corporate partners. That’s been the real magic,” said Scott Strawbridge, the Housing Authority’s director of development and facilities.
Ken Naylor, COO of Atlantic Pacific Communities, said completing a project of this type defied the odds.
At a time when “bankers were afraid to drive through the neighborhood, much less invest in it, Tam [English] wanted a property that was good enough for mom,” Naylor said.
Today it is, he added.
Tree-lined streets and wide sidewalks connect the 150-acre complex of apartments and townhomes. About half of its 660 units are dedicated to seniors. Those who are raising grandchildren can opt for two or three bedroom units.
“Broward County has 100,000 grandparents caring for children they didn’t plan on. It causes all kinds of financial stress on them,” Strawbridge said.
Northwest Gardens also fosters self-sufficiency. Residents helped build the community and they maintain it. On site are six urban gardens, the Young at Art ArtHouse and a courtyard with a stage for community events.
Young men and women earn while they learn in the state-certified Step-Up apprenticeship program. Sixteen graduates have been hired full-time for various carpentry and maintenance roles.
“What we’re doing out here, it truly has been impactful,” Strawbridge said. “We have a good business plan that doesn’t rely on subsidies. It relies on operating a good business like a good business person would.”