In a recent Sanford City Work Commission meeting, city officials discussed significant changes to the redevelopment plan for the Casselburgh Court property, which has remained undeveloped for nearly a decade. The Sanford Housing Authority proposed an amendment to the Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) plan, shifting from a focus on homeownership to increasing the number of rental units in response to evolving housing market conditions.

The revised plan aims to replace the original proposal of 90 to 110 homeownership units with 160 multifamily rental units and 14 to 40 homeownership units. This change comes as the city grapples with a lack of funding for affordable single-family homes and the pressing need for housing solutions. The new development will include a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with plans for amenities such as a clubhouse and pool.

Community engagement was a focal point of the discussion, with city officials noting that a recent citizen participation meeting yielded no opposition to the revised plan. However, some commissioners expressed concerns about the limited turnout at the meeting and the overall shift away from homeownership options. They emphasized the importance of community input and the need for the city to pursue funding opportunities to support homeownership initiatives.

The Sanford Housing Authority's acting executive director, Ayuk Fleming, highlighted the challenges faced in securing funding for single-family homes, citing rising construction costs and a lack of federal support. Despite these hurdles, Fleming reassured the commission that the partnership with Wendover Housing Partners would lead to quality developments in the area.

As the city moves forward with the amended CNI plan, officials remain committed to exploring homeownership opportunities in other parts of Sanford, particularly near Redding Gardens. The meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to address housing needs in the community while balancing the realities of funding and market conditions.