Significant Amendment to the 2023 and 2024 PHA Annual and MTW Plan
Lakeland Housing Authority
The Lakeland Housing Authority (LHA) is amending its PHA Annual/MTW Plan to include new activity regarding the allocation of Project-Based Vouchers to the Eddie Woodard Apartments project, formerly known as Park Ridge and Oak Park Villas during the predevelopment stage.
The PHA Plan Template HUD-50075-ST, Section B.2, mandates the PHA to specify the projected number of project-based units and general locations and explain how project basing is consistent with the PHA Plan.
a. Projected number of project-based units: 31 (Twelve (12) of these units will be project-based with Mainstream vouchers for residents eligible for supportive services.)
b. Location: Northeast corner of West Carter Road and Loyce E. Harpe Park Entrance in Mulberry, Polk County, Florida.
c. The PHA Plan aims to reduce poverty and increase access to housing and economic opportunities for low-income households. Project basing is a strategy that supports this goal by providing long-term rental assistance contracts for specific units in new or rehabilitated developments. Eddie Woodard Apartments is a project-based development that meets the Site and Neighborhood Standards for new construction, as it is located in a low-poverty area (Census Tract 148.04) with adequate public facilities and services. By project basing units in this development, LHA will help to deconcentrate poverty and expand housing choice for eligible families.
Project Overview
Eddie Woodard Apartments (“Eddie Woodard”) is a new 96-unit multifamily development on a 7.48-acre site, which is part of a larger 88-acre parcel suitable for additional phases. The property is situated right off North Church Avenue providing direct access to Interstate 4 which is a major transit corridor with direct access to major cities including Tampa and Orlando. Eddie Woodard is within the Lakeland–Winter Haven, Florida, Metropolitan Statistical Area (“MSA”), with an estimated population of 753,520.
The surrounding area of Eddie Woodard provides a wide variety of services and commercial establishments for residents to enjoy. There are major grocers nearby such as a Walmart Supercenter on West Carter Road directly adjacent to Eddie Woodard, as well as a Winn-Dixie on the corner of Shepherd Road and North Church Avenue. Residents will benefit from immediate access to pharmacies, medical centers, and convenience stores within a mile from the development. Eddie Woodard also neighbors the Se7en Wetlands Park and Loyce E Harpe Park, a 1,600-acre natural preserve featuring biking and hiking trails, softball and recreational fields and multiple dog parks all within walking distance for residents.
Eddie Woodard consists of four, three-story buildings with a stand-alone clubhouse, wood framed construction, and a wide variety of outdoor amenities. The development unit mix includes twenty-four (24) 1-Bedroom, fifty-four (54) 2-Bedroom, and eighteen (18) 3-Bedroom units with 164 parking spaces. Eighty-six (86) of the total units will be set aside for residents earning at or below 60% AMI and ten (10) of the total units will be set aside for residents earning at or below 40% AMI. Eddie Woodard incorporates green building practices and requirements of the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard (NGBS) Certification. Eddie Woodard was completed in September 2023.
Resident Programs at Eddie Woodard will include daily activities, adult literacy training, employment assistant program, and a financial management program.
Amendment to the HCV Administrative Plan
The Lakeland Housing Authority (LHA) is amending its HCV Administrative Plan to include a new policy regarding the allocation of Project-Based Vouchers:
Chapter 17. PBV Units, Part I: General Requirements. Additional Project-Based Units
New Policy: The PHA may set aside an additional 10 percent of its units above the 20 percent program limit when the proposed units comply with the requirements for Additional Project-Based units as outlined in the Administrative Plan.