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 […]
Category: Housing
Posted inActivism, Housing
Planned Condo Introduces Co-Housing Concept to Lakeland
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.
Posted inNeighborhoods
County Approves 188 Imperial Lakes Houses, Denies 200+ North Lakeland Apartments
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, […]
Posted inHousing
As Eviction Moratorium Ends, Renters Urged to Seek Assistance
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 […]
Posted inHousing
Rapid Filling of Midtown Lofts Underscores the Demand for Affordable Housing, Developers Say
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 […]
Posted inActivism
City Leaders Agree to Step Up Homelessness Efforts at Annual PEACE Rally
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.
Posted inHousing
Talbot House Taking Applications for Vermont Place Apartments
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.
Posted inHousing
Affordable Housing Workshop Considers Trust Fund Idea
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.
Posted inSocial Services
Grant Propels Gospel Inc. Toward Its Vision of a Tiny-House Village for the Homeless
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.
Posted inActivism
Gospel Inc. Providing Homes for Transients Recovering from COVID-19
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 […]
