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$33 Million Redevelopment Project unveiled in Bridgeport The Bridgeport Housing Authority (BHA) and the Women's Institute for Housing and Economic Development took the wraps off their $33 million redevelopment project at the former Park City Hospital site today. The partnership will produce 110 affordable housing units at the newly named development, to be known as "The Eleanor" and "The Franklin". Park City Hospital will be renovated into two different and completely separate facilities in the single building; an apartment complex for low income and disabled households known as "The Franklin" and a second complex in the tower known as "The Eleanor" for senior citizens. Both complexes will provide on-site supportive services designed to meet the needs of the residents. The $33 million project uses nine different funding sources and is one of the larger development projects in the city in recent years. The project satisfies three priorities: housing for the elderly and disabled; helping to prevent homelessness; and providing social, health, job-training, educational and other support services designed to keep people successfully housed. According to Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch, "the Park City Hospital project is a prime example of effective collaboration. This partnership between the City of Bridgeport through our HOME funds program, the Bridgeport Housing Authority and the Women's Institute has resulted in the construction of 110 units of supportive and affordable rental housing that will be available to those who need it most – senior citizens, homeless individuals, and the under-employed working people of the city of Bridgeport," said Finch. "We will continue to pursue and support projects that move us closer to our goal of ending homelessness in the City of Bridgeport." In early 2006, in response to the overwhelming number of applicants on its waiting list for one bedroom apartments, the BHA issued a competitive request for proposals for a project that would turn the former Park City Hospital building into a facility of permanent housing for senior citizens and disabled persons who were coming out of homelessness. From the different responses received, BHA selected the non-profit Women's Institute for Housing & Economic Development as its development partner and co-sponsor. "This event marks a major milestone in the development of this important housing project," said BHA Executive Director Nicholas A. Calace. "For me, it is an opportunity to thank the stakeholders and participants, and there are many of them, for the tireless work that they performed to bring this initiative to construction. It gives me a great deal of optimism that a project of this magnitude that required total cooperation from numerous parties could actually be built," Calace said. "What truly amazes me is that we went from concept to construction in less than four years! All of those who were involved should be proud of their hard work and perseverance, and I look forward to working with all of the partners in future endeavors." The Project's completion helps satisfy BHA's obligation to replace some of the housing from the former Father Panik Village. All 110 units in the new facility count as replacement housing units, bringing the number of required units down to 140 from the original 1,063. Loni Willey, Executive Director of the Women's Institute for Housing and Economic Development, is particularly pleased to have brought a vacant building back for the purpose of affordable and supportive housing. "This is a very exciting project for us," said Willey, "and will serve so many who would not otherwise have a secure and supportive place to live. I feel very privileged to work in partnership with stellar people and organizations in Bridgeport." Click here Video available upon request. |
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