Mayor Jane Castor is joined by City Council Chairman Orlando Gudes (left) and Darrick Fullwood (right), owner of AAA Restoration and Builders, LLC.
Local developers awarded city-owned lots to build affordable housing are breaking ground and starting to build single-family homes on their newly acquired property.
Through Mayor Jane Castor’s Infill Housing Phase II initiative, a total of 15 vacant, city-owned lots were distributed among seven qualified, local, minority-owned developers and four non-profits in July 2021. Two of the lots were split, providing the opportunity for 17 affordable homes to be built and sold to income-eligible home buyers. The City of Tampa's Housing and Community Development division oversees the program and has been following a rigorous timeline to kick-start the development process.
"Not only are we increasing our affordable housing inventory, but we also reworked the program to ensure the lots are awarded to local, minority-owned developers," said Mayor Jane Castor. "Many are from this area and are committed to our mission to uplift their neighborhoods and provide deserving families with a home they can afford and feel proud of. Every single day this administration and City Council are working to increase the supply of affordable housing for Tampa residents.”
Darrick Fullwood, owner of AAA Restoration and Builders, LLC., will be building three single family homes on E. Emma Street and E. 32nd Avenue in East Tampa. Born and raised in the area, Fullwood attributes his parent's struggle to find a permanent home as one of the emotional factors that drove him to participate in the program.
"I recognize how important it is for families to have a foundation and stability," said Fullwood. "I’m honored to have been selected to join this effort and I look forward to the day we welcome new families into their new homes where they can live comfortably and build lifelong memories.”
Fullwood broke ground on his lots this month and expects the homes to be completed by late Fall.