ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – The nonprofit organization Beaches Habitat for Humanity broke ground on a new affordable housing community that will include 44 townhomes in Atlantic Beach.
During the groundbreaking ceremony Saturday morning, officials announced the new neighborhood will be called Coastal Haven.
“Certainly is a special day and probably eight or nine years to make this day happen but these are some of the best,” President and CEO of Beaches Habitat for Humanity Steve Gilbert said.
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The four-acre lot, located on Mayport Road, took years to put together because the organization needed to buy it one parcel at a time.
The property will include 44 townhomes across 11 different buildings.
The first home is set to be a veteran build, which means it will go to a member of the armed services.
The goal is to complete the project in six years once they get started with construction.
“It really is important and you know we have so many families that need or want affordable homes the market here in Jacksonville. The rental market is high so if we can make a difference and put families into homes and really bless them bless our mission. That’s something we’re excited about,” Gilbert said.
To qualify for the homeownership program, people need to live or work in eastern Duval County.
Interested applicants must also demonstrate a need for affordable housing and earn between 50 and 80% of the area’s median income. Plus, applicants must complete the Habitat standard of 300 “Sweat Equity” hours volunteering with the construction.
“Let me say this about the importance of affordable housing. It’s not just about giving people lower-cost housing. It’s about the vibrancy of a community, especially when that affordable housing is homes that are owned by individuals and families. This is the bedrock of our American values and the ability in America to get ahead,” Atlantic Beach Mayor Curtis Ford said.
Beaches Habitat is still working through the permits with the city of Jacksonville.
Applications for this new neighborhood are expected to open in July.
To learn more, visit beacheshabitat.org