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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
Nearly 40 mobile homes and cottages at Lake Parker Avenue and Lemon Street are being repaired by volunteers and turned into housing for formerly homeless people recovering from COVID-19, Fox 13 News reports. Gospel Inc. purchased the property with the help of a federal CARES Act grant. The few people already living there will be able to stay and their rent is being reduced.
With a new infusion of federal CARES Act money, the Polk County Commission has allocated $1 million to rent and mortgage assistance for people who lost income during the pandemic and have not received relief, News Channel 8 reports. Applications will be available starting Dec. 29 on the county website. | ALSO: Ledger coverage
