MIAMI – It has been years in the making, but finally the second phase of the North Park at Scott-Carver HOPE housing project in Liberty City is complete.
Funding for the affordable housing development was awarded to Miami-Dade County in 1999 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, but the project suffered many setbacks, including mismanagement and design problems.
But Monday was about its namesake, hope.
"I am glad to be going somewhere permanent and call it home," said Linda Smith, a former resident who has lived in five different homes since she left Scott-Carver. She said she just wants a safe place to call home.
"You don't have to worry too much about hearing gunshots and different things like being woken up in the night by gun shots," she said.
The mixed-income development will have 354 rental units at various price points, and many of the people who move in will be residents who were displaced when the project began. Thanks to the perseverance of former U.S. Rep. Carrie Meek, now this urban neighborhood looks like any suburban community.
"Oh my god, when I went through the model I was just astonished. I said, ‘This is nice. This is wonderful. This is what our people deserve. Power to the people,'" said U.S. Rep. Fredrica Wilson, D-District 17.
All the homes and apartments were built green. They have added insulation, Energy Star-rated, energy-saving appliances and solar panels on the roofs. The neighborhood also features playgrounds.
A number of dignitaries were on hand for the ribbon-cutting and urged the families who will live there to take care of such a beautiful neighborhood.
"To the residents of this facility, you also have a major responsibility in making sure that this place remains beautiful and also remains safe," said District 2 county Commissioner Jean Monestime.