[StBernard] Proposed apt. complexes

[Westley Annis]

Copied this from nola.com.

I attended the meeting last night where the developer answered questions
about the proposed 288 mixed income apts.

A brief synopsis - right now they are proposed, the developer is awaiting to
see if he gets the very competitive CDBG money to build the apts. if he gets
the grants he plans to buy four tracts of land, three from the Meraux
foundation, and one from the Randazzo family. The locations are #1 just off
St Bernard Hwy where the Drive Inn used to be, #2 300ft. off Judge Perez
across from the govt. complex, #3north of Patricia behind Sun Brite homes
and#4 north of the St Bernard funeral home. Each tract will be developed
into a 72 apt gated complex with a community center, on site management, 24
hr. security, 9 ft ceilings, hardwood floors, crown molding - supposedly a
"high class" development with each unit costing $200,000 to build. The rents
are proposed to be $1400 a month for the three bedroom apts , down to $400 a
month for "subsidized" apts. Of course the developer says the apts. would be
for elderly and handicapped first, then they hope to get policemen, firemen,
school teachers, refinery workers, but did not rule out Section 8.
Councilman Lauga arranged this meeting and can answer more questions and put
you in touch with the developer if you have questions. These are not
designed to be projects and would be required to be owned by this company
for the next 15 years because of the tax credits. the developer did admit
that they would not build without the tax credits.

FWIW, I don't see the concept as viable.  Sounds like the developer has an
idea of what he *wants* but admits to what he'll settle for.

JY