VENICE — In a dramatic turnaround, the city has decided to pursue a partnership with the Venice Housing Authority that could bring more affordable housing to the beleaguered 38-year-old Grove Terrace public housing complex.

City Manager Marty Black announced the partnership plan for "a range of affordable housing options" at a strategic planning workshop Monday.

The plan includes giving the housing authority the adjacent Venice Fire Department property to use as a community center in 2012 after the fire department moves into a new facility. It would also allow more homes at the Grove Terrace complex.

The City Council must approve the strategic plan. The authority and federal officials would have to approve the new relationship as well. Current residents would still have to move out of the current facility to allow for redevelopment of the North Grove Street site near downtown.

But the city's move toward a partnership is significant because, aside from appointing housing authority board members, Venice has long taken a hands-off approach to its only public housing complex.

While communities including Bradenton and Sarasota proceeded with public-private partnerships to rebuild low-income and affordable housing,, Venice has not become involved.

The partnership could help the Venice Housing Authority through a similar transition and allow residents to eventually return, though there is no timetable.

Grove Terrace is slated for demolition after residents receive federal housing vouchers to help them relocate to other housing. But there are no plans or money to rebuild on the valuable property near the Intracoastal Waterway -- and before Black's announcement, no hope that anything would happen.

After an $11.2 million redevelopment plan failed two years ago, and the housing authority was cited by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development department for financial mismanagement several years in a row, the city kept its distance.

As recently as a few weeks ago, when the Herald-Tribune wrote a story about the lack of city leadership and residents having to move out of Grove Terrace without plans for where they will relocate, city officials insisted there was nothing they could do.

"We have been out here alone," said authority board chairman George Barr.

The city had included work-force housing as one of its goals in an earlier draft of its strategic plan, and mentioned working with other groups, such as Habitat for Humanity and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, but made no mention of the Venice Housing Authority.

On Monday, that changed when it agreed, in principle, to a partnership with the authority. Black did not explain the turnaround.

If the housing authority could move its community center into the fire station, it would have more space to build more than the 50 low-income units it is obligated to replace.

"That's an asset we can bring to the table," said Black.

The city also plans to adopt a comprehensive plan that will increase density at Grove Terrace from 13 dwelling units per acre to 25, making Grove Terrace more attractive to a private developer.

"We were looking for a serious commitment from the city," said Barr. "I've been very satisfied with their position."

Black has also indicated the city may contribute grant money for redevelopment, Barr said.

At a weekend housing authority redevelopment workshop, about two dozen people offered help, Barr said.

"They are willing to help any way they can," said Barr. "We have a number of residents that are elderly, and single mothers. Moving is a big thing for them."

The time line hinges on when the federal vouchers arrive. Barr said they are waiting to hear from HUD, which is in disarray after its controversial director resigned last week.

The Sarasota Office of Housing and Community Development will handle the vouchers and the regional HUD office will assist residents with the process. The authority is responsible for moving costs.

But for now, Barr is glad to have some help.

"We're a little further ahead than we were," said Barr.

Discuss this article on the forums. (0 posts)