CENTRAL REGION
FCLF LOANS: $630,000
2 LOANS for Acquisition/Rehab and Line of Credit
17 Affordable Rental homes
29 Temporary Construction Jobs
"FCLF was a vital partner in helping us realize the dream of Greater Heights, providing below market rental rates to hard working families and seniors. FCLF staff understood our context, embraced the project vision, and was willing to make an investment that others deemed too risky. FCLF's impact extends to this entire neighborhood, as restoration of the apartments has become a source of community pride and hope." – Lynn Brockwell-Carey, Executive Director, Neighbor Up Brevard
The crime-ridden, drug-infested Booker T. Washington neighborhood was once referred to as "The Bottoms." The area, formerly synonymous with despair, now brims with beauty and hope. Neighbor Up Brevard – formerly known as Brevard Neighborhood Development Coalition (BNDC) – redeveloped the area, and the new Greater Heights apartment community provides quality, affordable homes for 18 low-income families and senior citizens. At the time of construction, in 2008-09, HUD estimates show that there were only 2,000 affordable rental homes available for a population of over 7,000 low- to moderate-income renting households.
To build Greater Heights, a project that was years in the making, Neighbor Up Brevard brought together an impressive team of prominent local developers and the largest commercial builder in the Space Coast. Donating their time and expertise were architects, real estate attorneys, construction and civil engineers and surveyors. Neighbor Up Brevard had to acquire 10 contiguous lots over a 2-year period; a complex process of negotiation with multiple owners and lenders, addressing foreclosures, title issues and competing buyers, among other obstacles that required tenacity and strong partnerships. In addition to the Florida Community Loan Fund, funds were also provided by the City of Melbourne, Brevard County, local businesses and church leaders. The colorful Key West-themed complex of safe and energy-efficient one to four-bedroom units is set amidst centuries-old live oaks. Units range in size from 674 to 1,272 square feet and have HVAC, landscaped lawns, anti-crime prevention features and plenty of parking.
Melbourne police analysis reports that after "The Bottoms" was demolished, and Greater Heights apartments were raised along Irene Summerford Way, there have been no violent crimes on this street. That is in stunning contrast to the 61 violent crimes that were committed between 2002 and 2009! This phenomenal drop in crime is a testament to the impact Neighbor Up Brevard and FCLF have made in this community to offer affordable housing to hard-working, productive citizens. This "hand up" rather than a "hand out" is truly making a difference.
FCLF has provided a second loan to Neighbor Up Brevard for the neighboring Dorcas Outreach Center for Kids, or DOCK, a 3500-square foot community center owned and operated by Neighbor Up Brevard. The DOCK is a free amenity, providing a daily community center where up to 50 children and teens ages 5-18 attend after school programs that provide academic, social, and spiritual guidance. Summer camps for children and teens attract more than 122 daily. The DOCK also provides a daily lunch program for 10 senior citizens as well as serving as a gathering place for other community groups.
Neighbor Up Brevard is providing jobs, both temporary through the construction of the Greater Heights homes, and permanent employment in The DOCK. Local residents are also encouraged to apply for contracted jobs to do landscaping, maintenance and apartment repairs in the community.
To view more photos of BNDC, view our Flickr page.
Read additional News articles about BNDC:
May 10, 2017, BNDC is now Neighbor Up Brevard
June 1, 2016, BNDC and The DOCK Transform Neighborhoods
February 24, 2015, Q&A With BNDC's Lynn Brockwell-Carey
January 16, 2013, BNDC Continues to Improve Melbourne Neighborhood
May 10, 2012, BNDC Celebrates Youth Enrichment
February 13, 2012, Brevard Neighborhood Development Coalition Lowers Crime Rate
