These workforce affordable apartment homes, to be located at the intersection of 12th Street and Fletcher Avenue, will benefit low- and moderate-income families by improving the quality of their homes, eliminating the cost burden, increasing access to transit and increasing access to services.
The project is funded by a recent $5.82 million grant from Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Services, and from federal and state grants, and a County trust fund.
“The development of Uptown Sky has been a goal on our Neighborhood Transformation Plan for close to three years, so we couldn’t be more thrilled to receive this funding and partner with Blue Sky Communities to make it happen,” said Sarah Combs, University Area CDC CEO and executive director. “Quality attainable housing is a major problem in our community, and a substantial number of our residents are cost burdened in their current housing situation. Once complete, Uptown Sky will enable us to make a difference in the lives of 60 low-income families, which is huge! So this is certainly a step in the right direction of addressing such a critical need in our community, while empowering residents to live, work and thrive in the area they call home.”
The need for these homes is great. The Uptown/University Area Community is an 864-acre underserved residential/commercial neighborhood located on the northern edge of unincorporated Hillsborough County. The neighborhood is blighted by vacant and abandoned lots. Approximately 75 percent of the 10,500 residents represent minority groups, primarily Hispanic (39 percent), and African-American (33 percent). In addition, more than 19 percent of the residents are Veterans.
The per capita income in this area is far below the County average and nearly 60 percent of the residents live below the poverty level. Unemployment is approximately twice that of the County. Many residents struggle with a lack of education (32 percent lack a high school education) and language barriers.
The Uptown/University Area has been deemed a targeted redevelopment area by Hillsborough County with five census tracts operating in opportunity zones. In addition, this area is part of the Innovation Partnership District and one of the densest communities in Hillsborough County.
Serving the community for more than 20 years, University Area CDC provides support for thousands of Tampa residents through holistic programming, adult education and resource assistance. Its primary mission is the redevelopment and sustainability of at-risk neighborhoods in the Uptown/University area, surrounding University of South Florida’s Tampa campus. More information about University Area CDC, a 501(c)(3) public/private partnership, is available by calling 813.558.5212 and by visiting uacdc.org.