From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — Following a story by The Trussville Tribune on the renovations of an east Jefferson County apartment complex, the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District released the following statement. The original story can be read by clicking here.
20M renovation underway at income-based apartment complex in unincorporated Jefferson County
Part of HABD’s goal to improve affordable housing options for low-income families
(Birmingham, AL) – The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) is excited about the opportunity to improve an existing affordable housing development in unincorporated Jefferson County. HABD is acquiring 104 units at the current Farrington Apartments, a HUD assisted multi-family apartment complex, located at 2935 Creek Lane NE. Currently, a 20-million-dollar renovation is underway at the 40-year-old complex and, once complete, it will serve low-income residents in the county and current public housing residents.
Prior to the start of renovations at Farrington Apartments, the current tenants were relocated to other areas by Arlington Properties, the owner of the complex. Of the 104 units, approximately 40 former families will be returning to the redeveloped site, 22 units will be designated for public housing residents and the remaining units will be income-based apartments for families in the county who qualify. The complex is mainly comprised of 2-and 3-bedroom apartments; and there are two 4-bedroom apartments. The renovations to the complex will include a new exterior facade, exterior security cameras, energy efficient windows, LED lighting, updated luxury vinyl flooring, updated kitchens and an exterior pavilion with a splash pad for families to enjoy.
Families in 22 units at the existing Tom Brown Village Public Housing site will have the option to relocate to Farrington Apartments ahead of the first phase of redevelopment at the site. HABD has released a Request for Qualifications to identify a developer to assist in the Tom Brown Village redevelopment and once a developer is selected HABD will provide a redevelopment timeline for Tom Brown Village.
Families in the 22 units at Tom Brown Village will also have the options to move to another apartment on site, obtain a Section 8 Voucher or move to an existing property in the HABD portfolio. Currently, HABD has identified 3 families that have opted to relocate to Farrington Apartments. Relocation is expected to begin in the Summer of 2020.
“HABD leadership has had initial meetings with Jefferson County leaders and will continue conversations with the leadership and community to convey details about the redevelopment at Farrington Apartments,” said Michael O. Lundy, HABD President/CEO. “At some point in the near future, HABD will hold a community meeting to provide further information and get input from residents who live in the area.”
HABD is in talks with the Jefferson County School System’s superintendent about the potential impact that the changes to Farrington Apartments may have on the schools in Center Point, which serve the area. HABD does not anticipate a significant impact on the schools. The demographics of the qualifying families moving to the available units at Farrington