North Carolina Construction News staff writer
The Durham Housing Authority (DHA) will receive $40 million in Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) grant funding.
Federal funding will support ‘Forever Home, Durham,’ an ongoing program creating affordable opportunities for renters and homeowners through new construction, property repairs and essential housing services.
“Downtown Durham is booming with growth, but the reality on the ground is that there are two downtowns,” said Anthony Scott, chief executive officer of the Durham Housing Authority. “The newer part is disproportionately wealthy, White, and growing, while the edges are lower-income communities of color that are shrinking in the gentrification pressures.
“The Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant will help us bring those two together, further bridging the gap and restoring Durham’s community, forever.”
CNI funds will help with revitalization of buildings at 519 East Main + Liberty Street Apartments, as well as the development of multiple other DHA, City, and County-owned properties in the neighborhood. The plan includes ground-floor retail, a new community park and other green spaces, a new community center, and new roads.
“This critical funding, the leadership of DHA, along with the great work of many partners contributing to affordable housing initiatives in Durham, offers validation that we’re on the right path for future stability,” said Reginald Johnson, community development department director.
“Our vision with the ‘Forever Home, Durham’ program is for our beloved city to be one that is affordable, livable, and inclusive. The CNI Grant funding propels our collective dream forward.”
The Choice Neighborhoods initiative encourages the resurgence of communities through linking housing improvements with social services and physical neighborhood improvements.