Councilman Michael Johnson's
Neighborhood News Council Corner Column
HOPE VI Boosting Downtown Phoenix
We are so excited about the amazing HOPE VI Project that represents a big part of the city's efforts to revitalize our neighborhoods. HOPE VI is a federal, grant-funded program created to rebuild old and/or severely distressed public housing. The new, diverse and vibrant community is located between 7th and 15th avenues and Grant and Pima streets, but HOPE VI is boosting the whole neighborhood and downtown Phoenix.
The "HOPE" in HOPE VI stands for Homeownership Opportunities for People Everywhere and the name certainly fits this project.
"We are able to provide new home opportunities for returning and new residents with diverse backgrounds including various cultures, ethnicities, and income levels," said Dee Wheeler-Cronin, HOPE VI Project manager.
In February, we celebrated the grand opening of the first two phases of the project, and it's been a big success. The apartments in the first phase are almost totally occupied and HOPE VI is now taking paperwork from people who want to move into the 129-unit Adult Living Building (Phase II).
As of April 1, 121 residents whose incomes qualify for assistance have moved in to Phase 1 and 36 apartments are being leased at market rate, with renters who are just as excited to live in this great neighborhood. I also want to mention that nearly 60 residents who lived in the Matthew Henson Housing Project that HOPE VI is replacing have already moved into the brand-new apartments.
For information on leasing opportunities at HOPE VI, interested applicants may call 602-252-1522 or to learn more about the project, visit phoenix.gov/HOPEVI.
Vice Mayor Michael Johnson represents Phoenix City Council District 8. If you have questions about this or any other topic, you can reach his office at michael.johnson@phoenix.gov or 602-262-7493.
