Peter Schorsch
Congressman Charlie Crist is applauding the imminent return of the troubled Jordan Park public housing complex back to the St. Petersburg Housing Authority.
“Having heard the concerns from Jordan Park residents firsthand this past summer, it was clear urgent action was needed on their behalf,” the St. Petersburg Democrat said in a statement Thursday.
Inhabitants of the 237-unit complex have brought a steady stream of complaints over the past few years including broken appliances, mold, mildew, rodent infestation, poor maintenance and landscaping.
Crist, who represents Florida’s 13th Congressional District, which includes Midtown St. Petersburg, is encouraging the federal government to work with the city of St. Petersburg to approve the agreement quickly, which would help make much-needed improvements to the living conditions of residents
The final agreement, which has been reported to be “any day now,” must be approved by both the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Florida Housing Finance Corp.
The complex, at Ninth Avenue South in 22nd Street in St. Petersburg’s historic African-American district, is currently owned by Jordan Park Development, a partnership of the Richman Group of Florida and Landex of Jacksonville.
WinnResidential, the firm hired by Jordan Park Development to manage the property, has been accused of being unresponsive to resident complaints.
Crist sees the pending agreement as a significant step forward for residents of Jordan Park.
“I am happy to see the city moving forward with plans to take over this complex, which has been lacking oversight and standards enforcement to the detriment of its tenants,” Crist said. “I encourage the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to do all they can to see this deal through to help better the lives of those living in this community.”
