New Hope for Affordable Housing in St. Petersburg

News Summary

St. Petersburg’s Azalea Gateway project receives city support with a $6 million grant aimed at combating the housing crisis. This large-scale development will provide 102 affordable and workforce units in its first phase, with a total of 1,000 planned apartments. While addressing environmental concerns, the project aims to create a community for essential workers. Construction is set to begin in November 2024.

New Hope for Affordable Housing in St. Petersburg: Azalea Gateway Development Gains City Support

St. Petersburg is buzzing with excitement over the recently announced plans for a brand-new residential complex that aims to take a big bite out of the city’s pressing housing crisis. The Azalea Gateway project, located on the former Raytheon Technologies property, is set to receive a hefty $6 million grant from the city to help jump-start the development of affordable housing units.

A Ambitious Plan Takes Shape

The first phase of the Azalea Gateway project comes with an estimated price tag of $110 million and will roll out a total of 102 affordable and workforce housing units on a prime 29-acre industrially zoned site at 1501 72nd St. N. This is just the beginning, as developers are dreaming big with plans to ultimately construct around 1,000 apartments in the area, with 340 to be ready in this initial phase.

Environmental Concerns and Remediation Efforts

Before the excitement about new homes can take full effect, the project developers need to address significant environmental challenges. The site has a history of contamination, and Raytheon Technologies, which purchased the land in 1995, has been conducting environmental remediation to tackle groundwater pollution and clear the way for the new development.

Breaking Down the Numbers

The approval from the City Council was met with a mix of enthusiasm and caution, reflecting the community’s concerns over the best use of land that has been designated for industrial purposes. The first phase of the project will comprise apartments designed to cater to households at varying income levels. The plans detail that 51 units will be reserved for households making up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with another 51 units for those at or below 120% AMI. The remaining 238 units will be available at market rates. Additionally, the city’s subsidy equates to about $17,647 per apartment, with a total of $58,824 for affordable and workforce housing units.

A Place to Call Home for Heroes

One of the major pros of the Azalea Gateway project is its aim to provide living options for essential community workers, including teachers and first responders. The city is hoping this development will not only provide a place to call home but also create a supportive community.

Next Steps: Construction Timeline and Community Involvement

If all goes to plan, residents can expect construction to kick off by November 2024 and wrap up by December 2027 for the first phase, although there’s no set timeline for the following phases yet. Local developer Les Porter and his team at Azalea Gateway LLC have been responsive to community feedback, previously adjusting plans to remove a proposed lagoon and sports complex after pushback from neighborhood residents. Over 1,400 signatures were gathered in protest against earlier proposals, a clear indication of the community’s vested interest in maintaining environmental integrity and traffic flow.

A Win-Win for St. Petersburg

While all eyes are on the Council’s recent decision, some members voiced concerns over how many affordable housing units would be built on industrial land. However, support for the plan remains strong, and many believe it presents a much-needed opportunity for growth in a community where affordable living is increasingly hard to find. With vital backing from both the city and Pinellas County—who recently approved $5.25 million—the Azalea Gateway project stands as a hopeful testament to meeting the growing demand for diverse housing options within densely populated areas of St. Petersburg.

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Additional Resources

• St. Pete Catalyst: Council Approves $6 Million for West St. Pete Development
• St. Pete Rising: Pinellas County Approves Over $5 Million for Future 1,000-Unit Apartment Community in West St. Pete
• St. Pete Catalyst: St. Pete Housing Developments Receive Influx of County Cash
• Google Search: Affordable Housing in St. Petersburg
• Wikipedia: Affordable Housing