By james art 
The city of Tallahassee’s affordable housing efforts continue to receive mixed reviews near Lake Bradford and Kissimmee Street on the South Side. In September, the city approved a $961,300 housing project for low-income families, individuals and seniors. The four-storey residential development aims to help alleviate the current housing crisis by providing affordable developments for residents.
The demand for housing is evident to residents here in Tallahassee. Rents continue to rise, making it harder for people to afford housing in local areas. As more residents lose financial stability, the continued shortage of affordable housing for community members leaves concerns for more affordable housing.
Elmington Capitol Group, in partnership with the Tallahassee Housing Authority, is proposing a 158-unit complex known as Lake Bradford Apartments. The complex will include walk-in closets, granite countertops, balconies, patios, community space and a fitness center. The new complex will provide amenities that will make a comfortable space for the community. Meanwhile, according to the city commission, the development will offer an employment assistance program, a financial management program and a home ownership opportunity program that will allow tenants to receive five percent of the rent they pay to purchase a home.
Photo Courtesy: Joel Mitchell
Shawn Noels, program director for the Tallahassee Veterans Village, shares his thoughts on affordable housing in the Bradford Lake area.
“I think it’s a great idea. Tallahassee needs affordable housing,” he said. “For example, projects where homeless people, veterans and other people are trying to go through programs to try to get back on their feet, but it’s extremely difficult because of the lack of affordable housing.”
The blocks will provide low-income individuals with the stability they need to provide for themselves and their families. K. Lenoris Barber, executive director of the Mount Olive Affordable Housing and Community Development Corporation, shares deep insights into what the units are designed for.
“102 units are for families at or below 80 percent AMI, then another 17 below 60 percent, and then 39 units are below 30 percent, and that’s important for a lot of numbers to be below 30 percent because they’re so housing burdened , ” he said.
While the project received full support from local advocates and housing directors, it also raised concerns from local business owners and neighborhood residents. Ray Daniels, a Bumper to Bumper business owner, expresses his concern about what the impact of this new development will be on his business when the project goes into effect.
“The impact this is going to have on the community here is more drugs in the neighborhood, given that there’s already a high-profile drug area here,” he said.
According to the Tallahassee Police Department, at least 16 active calls for criminal activity have been reported, with a total of about 450 calls in the past 24 hours.
The new affordable apartments will soon be located at 1131- 1139 Kissimmee Street along Lake Bradford Rd and will begin construction in January 2025 and be completed in late October 2026.