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The HUD Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI) is a
competitive grant program that catalyzes a comprehensive,
resident-led neighborhood revitalization effort. Key to that
revitalization is the redevelopment of a public housing
complex into a modern, desirable and inclusive community of
choice. The CNI grant will ignite a two-year planning
process that incorporates neighborhood goals and public
housing redevelopment plans for the McClinton Nunn public
housing complex.
Choice Neighborhoods
planning grants are the first step in the pursuit of Choice
Neighborhoods implementation grants of $30 to 35 million,
which are used to carry out the plans imagined throughout
the planning grant process.
In Ohio, the cities of Toledo, Akron and Cincinnati were
the awardees of the planning grants.
The McClinton Nunn public
housing complex contains 151 apartment homes for families
and senior citizens. Built in 1961, it is situated within
the Junction Neighborhood.
“On behalf of Lucas Metropolitan Housing I want to thank you
for your attendance today,” said Joaquin Cintron Vega,
president and CEO of LMHA. “This is an exciting opportunity
to plan and engage our community. This year, 2020, threw
some challenges but let’s focus on opportunities, 2020 was
unprecedented, but we can transform the Junction Community.
It’s time to continue the legacy of opportunity and impact
those who live in the community. Our community has truly
come together. We’re able to expand housing opportunities of
choice and create communities of choice. We want to thank
the City of Toledo, Lucas County Commissioners, Toledo Local
Initiatives Support Corporation (Lisc), Junction Coalition,
LMHA board and staff, and over 35 community partners.
Congrats to our community. This is just the first step in a
long journey, we plan to look forward and working together
hand in hand.”
The two-year $450,000 planning HUD grant focuses on a
collaboration between LMHA and the City of Toledo to
implement changes to McClinton Nunn and Junction
communities. The grant includes research and engagement of
residents to determine implementation steps for the
community.
“I am happy and proud of what was put together for this
grant, this opportunity has been underfunded by the current
administration.” shared Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. “Our
local community has put together a great application.
Junction Coalition, I want to thank you for your work. I
also want to thank LISC and Toledo’s mayor. I want to thank
each of you for your partnership. I will be your partner and
let’s keep going. Congrats to all.”
“On behalf of President Trump and Secretary of Housing and
Urban Development Ben Carson, it is my pleasure to be here,”
said Joseph Galvan, Midwest Regional Administrator of HUD.
“Eleven communities received this award, that will address
distress housing and revitalize neighborhoods. Toledo is one
of three Ohio communities to receive this award, which is
highly competitive. This grant will help breed new life into
distress neighborhoods and assist residents thrive. We want
to this to lead to hope, healing and opportunity. We believe
in what your doing. Your mission is our mission.”
The City of Toledo also launched a disparities study which
will complement the efforts of the two-year HUD planning
grant.
“We’re excited about this opportunity,” explained City of
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukieqicz. “This two-year planning
grant could lead to an implementation grant. This planning
process includes engaging residents and digging deep into
what the community wants to see, including amenities,
services and design. This planning grant aligns with the
City of Toledo’s disparities study, which will be completed
within the first year. The disparities study focuses more on
economic opportunities to create an equity enterprise
ecosystem and identify local participants to scale up and
create jobs.”
LMHA plans to announce the planning timeline and strategic
steps in the near future.
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