Lakeland Rental Costs Have Leveled Off After Huge Spikes, But More Increases Are Expected

Jan 12, 2022 at 6:02 pm

The average cost of rental housing in Lakeland has increased by more than 25.3% since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in March 2020, Apartmentlist.com reports. But for the second consecutive month, median monthly rents in the city appear to be stabilizing with a negligible 0.7% increase last month, according to the digital platform’s December Rent Report, which followed a decline of 1.2% in city rental rates in November. More

Housing/ Neighborhoods

Neighbors Oppose Apartments Near Lake Miriam Square

Dec 3, 2021 at 7:19 am The Ledger

Neighbors are fighting a proposal to build 240 apartments on Publix property at the corner of Lake Miriam Drive and South Florida Avenue, The Ledger reports in a subscribers-only story. A major objection is the addition of traffic to an already congested area, but representatives of developer Preferred Apartment Communities said apartments will generate fewer trips than the currently approved commercial uses. The Lakeland Planning and Zoning Board is scheduled to decide on the project Jan. 19.

Activism/ Housing

Planned Condo Introduces Co-Housing Concept to Lakeland

Sep 15, 2021 at 6:45 pm

A lush, vacant lot across from Southgate Publix lined with stately oak trees is taking on a new life after a group decided it’s the right place for a shared residential lifestyle for seniors and adults with disabilities. More

Neighborhoods/ Housing

County Approves 188 Imperial Lakes Houses, Denies 200+ North Lakeland Apartments

Aug 3, 2021 at 5:55 pm The Ledger

Polk County commissioners today made very different decisions on two land-use issues that both faced major opposition from neighbors, The Ledger reports. They unanimously approved rezoning land at the Imperial Lakes Golf Course for 188 homes. They rejected 4-1 a request involving 200+ apartments that front U.S. 98 North and back up to single-family residences, saying apartments are incompatible with the nearby houses. (Subscribers-only story)

Housing/ Social Services

As Eviction Moratorium Ends, Renters Urged to Seek Assistance

Jul 29, 2021 at 6:51 am The Ledger

With the federal eviction moratorium ending Saturday, local officials are urging renters who are behind on payments and were affected by COVID-19 to apply for assistance through a Polk County emergency fund; they can also seek help through United Way’s 2-1-1 phone line. Polk courts face a backlog of 765 eviction cases dating to January 2020, The Ledger reports. | MORE: Polk rental assistance

Housing/ Neighborhoods

Rapid Filling of Midtown Lofts Underscores the Demand for Affordable Housing, Developers Say

Apr 26, 2021 at 5:58 pm

The desire for affordable housing in Lakeland was evident as soon as leasing began for the 80-unit Midtown Lofts complex on Parker Street, its developers said at a dedication ceremony today. Leasing agents were getting 25 calls a day, and all of the units were claimed within two months, according to Oscar Sol and Mitch Rosenstein, co-founders of Green Mills Group of Fort Lauderdale. More

Activism/ Housing

City Leaders Agree to Step Up Homelessness Efforts at Annual PEACE Rally

Mar 17, 2021 at 5:23 pm

Four city commissioners — a majority — committed to stepping up Lakeland’s efforts to reduce homelessness during Tuesday night’s Nehemiah Action, an annual rally held by a coalition of local churches that unite around social action issues. More

Housing/ Social Services

Talbot House Taking Applications for Vermont Place Apartments

Mar 11, 2021 at 11:26 am

Talbot House Ministries is accepting applications from prospective tenants for its affordable housing project, the Vermont Place Apartments at 912 and 920 N. Vermont Ave. More

Housing/ City Hall

Affordable Housing Workshop Considers Trust Fund Idea

Mar 2, 2021 at 5:52 pm

Lakeland city commissioners considered the establishment of a trust fund in a workshop held Monday to consider how to better serve the city’s affordable housing needs. More

Social Services/ Housing

Grant Propels Gospel Inc. Toward Its Vision of a Tiny-House Village for the Homeless

Feb 11, 2021 at 12:18 pm

Gospel Inc.’s purchase of a mobile home park near downtown Lakeland, funded by the federal CARES Act, is the first step in its long-term plans for Gospel Town, a housing and work complex for former transients, according to founder and Director Brian Seeley. More