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Developers pledge outreach after residents raise gentrification and communication concerns
Summary
Residents and board members pressed developers on community outreach and whether prior sign-up lists and marketing will be honored; developers pledged new meetings, local partnerships and protections tied to HUD funding to avoid flipping and preserve affordability.
Residents and board members raised concerns about community awareness, prior commitments and the potential for gentrification as the Tolles Garden redevelopment moves forward.
At the meeting Miss Webb asked what assurances exist that the county and HUD "are going to do what they say they’re going to do," and asked when the developer would meet with the neighborhood. In response, Dr. Stylianos Vayanos said the development team has met with neighborhood leaders, local banks and public agencies and committed to re-engaging local stakeholders. "I would be more than happy to present, and if that would be the responsible thing to do, I'm happy to meet with the entire community as soon as you tell me to," Vayanos said.
Developers and staff described mechanisms intended to limit displacement and preserve ownership: HUD-required restrictive covenants recorded against the property after grant authorization, resale restrictions to prevent flipping, Section 3 and Davis-Bacon compliance to promote local hiring, and planned down-payment assistance programs. The developer said prior commitments of down-payment assistance may exist in county and city records but will need to be re-established with the new development team. Board members pressed for meetings and clearer outreach plans before marketing sales to prospective buyers.
