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Twenty-three new homes on South Third and South Fourth Streets are welcoming families after several years of development and planning.

The Monroe Housing Authority is beyond the new constructions. The homes are part of a $3.5 million initiative focused on the portions of South Third and South Fourth streets between Beauregard and Peach streets and are Phase I of the Preservation Mills development.

Monroe Housing Authority Executive Director William V. Smart said those responsible for the development were already making a difference and sparking change in the community.

“A few years from now when we look back at this moment, this time where we are right now, we will know that we were a part of something bigger than ourselves, something really bigger than ourselves … a chance to make a difference in our community — not southside, not northside, not no side. We made a difference in our community.” 

The neighborhood revitalization was made possible through a partnership with the city of Monroe. Thursday’s ribbon-cutting happened approximately 16 months after MHA broke ground on the project. 

Funding for the $3.5 million dollar project was received through competitive grant applications to Louisiana Housing Corporation and the Louisiana Neighborhood Landlord Rental Program.

In addition to the $3.5 million dollar investment for new home construction, MHA has also invested over $200,000 for land acquisitions, demolition and site clearing.

Initially, the properties will be made available for lease for a period of five years. Afterward, they will be offered for sale.

“In addition to the opportunity to help revitalize this once beautiful and thriving community, the homeownership component is extremely important to us,” Smart said. “We are grateful for this chance to bring a quality, affordable homeownership opportunity to families with modest incomes.

“Our goal is to provide renters with homeownership workshops, financial education, credit repair counseling, career development, and other supportive services during the five-year rental period, with the ultimate goal of helping those who are interested become first-time homebuyers.”

Monroe City Council Vice-Chair Carday Marshall represents District 4 where the new homes are located and called the development a beautiful blessing. 

“This is a wonderful opportunity for a family to be able to come in on a daily basis to a fresh new atmosphere. It’s heartfelt, and you build the morale for the families,” Marshall explained,” and with the ability to become a homeowner, that is an opportunity most in this district do not get.”

Mayor Friday Ellis recognized the efforts of the Monroe Housing Authority and former mayor Jamie Mayo’s administration on the project.

“We can do a lot of things,” Ellis said. “We can build a lot of buildings. We can pave a lot of roads, but if we are not addressing the felt needs of communities, we are really not doing too much, are we? 

“Thank you for this. This is beautiful. Block by block we can make it happen, but it’s going to start with the support of everyone here, whether it be picking up trash, taking care of your neighbor or lending a hand.” 

Each home in the development consists of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open concept floor plan and an attached carport. The homes were designed in a style reminiscent of the architecture that existed when the neighborhood was first developed.

If additional funding becomes available, MHA plans to develop additional homes in the near future.

Read or Share this story: https://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/2020/10/29/monroe-housing-authority-debuts-23-new-homes-south-monroe-neighborhood/6056254002/