Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced today that the Department of Housing and Urban Development is awarding
$20 million in HOPE VI funding for the North Beach development. The funds will be used by the San Francisco Housing Authority to replace 229 obsolete public housing units with new construction of 355 mixed income and public housing units and community space. The new development will house families with incomes of up to $50,000, while retaining 229 units of public housing to serve San Francisco's poorest families.
"I am pleased that HUD has once again recognized the vibrancy of San Francisco's neighborhoods," said Pelosi. "The HOPE VI grant for North Beach will help to remove physical, social and economic barriers which prevent the residents of North Beach public housing from participating fully in the community which surrounds them."
"I commend the Clinton Administration, particularly HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros, and Regional Representative Art Agnos for their support of this important initiative," added Pelosi. "HUD's decision to fund the North Beach development is a concrete example of the Clinton Administration's commitment to rebuilding urban America."
HUD also announced today that it is providing $360,000 for the demolition of 24 deteriorated units at the Eddy Street public housing development.
The proposed North Beach development is specifically designed to address the isolation that can characterize inner-city public housing, by using architecture that will blend into the surrounding neighborhood, improving security for residents and visitors, and creating mixed uses and generating sustainable economic opportunities for residents. In addition to providing 229 units of replacement housing for the units to be demolished, the new development will provide 126 extra units of affordable housing. It will also provide commercial and community space to serve the needs of residents, including child care, job training, and facilities to create a Campus of Learners, where residents can have access to computer training and education.
