Crestview partners with Gregg Chapel A.M.E. on affordable housing project near downtown

CRESTVIEW — Led by the Rev. Cecil Williams, Gregg Chapel A.M.E. Church of Fort Walton Beach proposes building at least 17 apartments for low- and reasonable-revenue families around downtown Crestview.

The church, which was formed in 1951 and has large working experience in aiding needy residents in the south element of Okaloosa County, was the lone bidder to respond to Crestview’s request for proposals for affordable housing development ideas.

The City Council on Monday unanimously authorised a partnership with the church to deliver the proposed housing enhancement that would be identified as Winery Village.

The Rev. Cecil Williams of Gregg Chapel AME Church in Fort Walton Beach stands on the property that would eventually become the Nathaniel Smith Jr. House of Valor. Gregg Chapel has proposed developing housing for low- and moderate-income residents in Crestview. — The Rev. Cecil Williams of Gregg Chapel AME Church in Fort Walton Seashore stands on the assets that would at some point grow to be the Nathaniel Smith Jr. Household of Valor. Gregg Chapel has proposed building housing for minimal- and average-income citizens in Crestview.

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City employees will do the job with Williams on a proposed agreement that will consist of the distinct terms of the partnership and occur back again afterwards to the council for its approval.

The site of the proposed flats is a vacant, 1-acre town-owned assets west of South Wilson Avenue and among West Bowers and West Subject avenues. Crestview bought the assets early past year and later on relocated tenants from quite a few unsafe, operate-down properties at the web page before possessing the buildings demolished.

These houses on West Bowers Avenue in Crestview were purchased by the city and demolished. Gregg Chapel A.M.E. Church of Fort Walton Beach plans to provide safe and affordable housing on the land. — These residences on West Bowers Avenue in Crestview have been procured by the city and demolished. Gregg Chapel A.M.E. Church of Fort Walton Seashore plans to offer safe and sound and cost-effective housing on the land.

During his presentation at Monday’s meeting, Williams explained Vineyard Village will consist of at least a two-story, 14-device constructing and a one particular-story, a few-unit setting up and will have on-internet site administration. Though however furnishing enough parking, the over-all enhancement could have as several as 20 residences, he and Town Supervisor Tim Bolduc said.

“We want to get the greatest quantity of models at the most cost-effective prices,” Bolduc said.

Williams explained every single condominium would be about 960 sq. toes and will have two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The two-story constructing will have an elevator and will have models for disabled people on the to start with ground, he said.

“Our prepare is to work with the city to retain the device regular monthly lease at an reasonably priced rate (at or under) $900 per thirty day period,” Williams stated in the church’s proposal letter to the city. “We feel this is achievable. We will pick out our developing contractor for this job based on their criteria for these in require and inclined to give back again.”

He also claimed in the letter that the church’s administrative costs “are lower than the frequent developer and we are not in the business enterprise for earnings but strictly ministry.”

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The church will look for a grant via the Condition Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and other funding sources for the estimated $2 million Winery Village undertaking, said Williams, who wasn’t prepared Monday to present a construction timeline.

Council customers heartily supported Williams and the proposed apartments.

“We have to have more men and women like you to enable offer housing in our area,” Councilman Shannon Hayes stated. “I know you’re a guy of your phrase and
if you say you can do it, I consider you can.”

Jay Wilde stands with his service dog Simba outside of his apartment at the Nathaniel Smith Jr. House of Valor in Fort Walton Beach. Gregg Chapel A.M.E. Church has proposed developing an affordable housing complex in Crestview. — Jay Wilde stands with his service puppy Simba outdoors of his apartment at the Nathaniel Smith Jr. Home of Valor in Fort Walton Seashore. Gregg Chapel A.M.E. Church has proposed developing an affordable housing complicated in Crestview.

Gregg Chapel A.M.E. Church is one particular of the greatest and most loving companies in the place, Councilman Joe Blocker explained.

“I very recommend you,” he told Williams. “I want to see (Vineyard Village) get carried out in Crestview.”

The church’s intensive encounter in giving minimal-rent housing goes back again to 1989, when it acquired quite a few a lot and a home on McGriff Road in Fort Walton Seashore, in accordance to information from Williams.

Two previous armed forces housing barracks afterwards ended up moved to McGriff Street and transformed into 5 two-bedroom flats, each individual of which at the moment rents for $575 for each thirty day period. The household, which has a few bedrooms and also underwent church-led renovations, is rented for $650 for every month.

Amongst other church-led housing initiatives around the several years, Gregg Chapel in 2017 started the Nathaniel Smith Jr. Property of Valor development on Nicholson Street in Fort Walton Seashore.

This six-device house opened in the summer time of 2018 and provides housing for formerly homeless male veterans. Each and every unit presently rents for $550 a month.

This short article at first appeared on Northwest Florida Day-to-day Information: Crestview, Gregg Chapel A.M.E. Church to create very low-lease housing