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The Galveston City Council approved the GHA’s conceptual redevelopment plan for Oleander Homes, Cedar Terrace, and Magnolia Homes by 4 to 3 votes on three separate ordinances Thursday night. The last hurdle was crossed when the Council approved the allocation of $25 million to fund the conceptual redevelopment plan by a vote of 4 to 3.

This decision will give the GHA $25 million of the $160 million the City received in CDGB funding following Hurricane Ike in 2008.

The City Council authorized the $25 million in disaster funding for public housing on May 8, 2009.

The monies awarded will allow GHA to move forward with rebuilding affordable housing on the island. The plan includes rebuilding 390 units on the same foot print reducing the density by approximately a third. The remaining 179 units will consist of scattered sites throughout Galveston offering residents more choice and more options – furthering Fair Housing.

The plan, which was based largely on community input, will incorporate several urbanism concepts, including green building principles, open spaces and mixed income developments.

In addition, the funding will be leveraged toward additional grants creating a catalyst for further improvements throughout the Galveston community. Some of those improvements would include more homeownership and rental opportunities, and commercial space for business allowing continued economic growth.

In conjunction with its development efforts, GHA will continue to implement resident-based self sufficiency programs aimed at assisting families in establishing and achieving their goals promoting economic independence and housing self-sufficiency.

As a result of the City’s approval of the GHA Conceptual Redevelopment Plan, the City of Galveston has a unique opportunity to create a model community.

Affordable housing is a critical piece of Galveston’s recovery. Equally important is the need to ensure that the Island is a welcoming place that offers quality livable space for the entire community regardless of income, race, or historical background. For over fifty years, GHA has been committed to providing Galveston residents with an adequate supply of professionally managed affordable housing for low- to moderate-income persons. Today, GHA is working to create quality living environments for its residents while building communities that will be good neighbors to the businesses and private homes that surround them.