Redevelopment in Thomasville – Victoria Place

Redevelopment Planning Process

  • Fall 2008, Planning department was approached by local organizations and concerned citizens regarding affordable housing, infill development, economic development, substandard infrastructure, and recreational opportunities. Subsequently, a group was formed to address:
    1.      Housing and Infrastructure Development and Redevelopment
    2.      Nuisance Properties
    3.      Gateways, Signage, and Recreational Opportunities
    4.      Neighborhood Commercial Development
  • April 2009, The Victoria Place Urban Redevelopment Plan was adopted

Affordable Housing

  • In the US, the commonly accepted guideline for “affordability” is a housing cost that does not exceed 30% of household income.

Supply and Demand

  • Typically, the most “affordable” places are where there is the least demand relative to supply.
  • Where the supply of available housing is less than the demand, low and moderate income households often struggle to obtain quality affordable housing.

Measuring Demand

  • Can be measured in terms of Cost, House type (single, multi), Size and configuration of units, Location, and Quality
  • Differentiating between the “ability to pay” and the “williingness to pay” for housing in certain housing types and locations
  • Criteria based on Access to amenities; Infrastructure; Distance from work; and Distance to schools and quality of schools

Housing Improvements

  • Model Home Collection
    1.      25 different house types
    2.      Pre-Approved for Construction
    3.      Affordability
  • Rehabilitation: $200,000 through the Revitalization Area Strategy

Park and Trail Improvements for Walkability

  • What makes a neighborhood walkable?
    1. Center: walkable neighborhoods have a discernable center, whether it’s a shopping district, main street, or public space
    2. Density: neighborhood is compact enough for local businesses to fluorish and for public transportation to run frequently
    3. Mixed income, mixed use: housing is provided for everyone who works in the neighborhood, young and old, rich and poor
    4. Parks and public space: there are plenty of pulbic places to gather and play
    5. Pedestrian-centric design: buildings are placed close to the street to cater to foot traffic, with parking lots relegated to the back
    6. Nearby schools and workplaces: schools and workplaces are close enough that most residents can walk from their homes
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