April 12, 2023 – (Cleveland, Ohio) – The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) and the City of Cleveland a Choice Neighborhoods Supplemental Funding Grant for $10 million, to further support the development of replacement housing in conjunction with the Transformation Plan for Woodhill Homes in the Buckeye- Woodhill neighborhood. HUD awarded additional funds to 16 current Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grantees to address the pandemic-related disruptions. The Supplemental Grant funding for Implementation Grantees will be used to construct new, high-quality housing nationwide.
“This additional Choice Neighborhoods grant for Buckeye-Woodhill is not just supporting a building, it is an investment in the entire neighborhood and its residents,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “We are grateful to Secretary Fudge for her leadership and to HUD for its ongoing commitment to the revival of Cleveland’s southeast side.”
In 2021, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded a $35 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation grant to CMHA and the City of Cleveland in partnership with TCB to support the Buckeye-Woodhill Transformation Plan. With the support of more than 200 collaborative and community partners, CMHA, the City of Cleveland, and TCB are leading the transformation and revitalization of Woodhill Homes and the surrounding Buckeye-Woodhill community. The Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant ensures that equitable neighborhood development in Cleveland becomes a reality in a prime southeast Cleveland neighborhood.
“I’m excited for the future of the Buckeye-Woodhill transformation and this new HUD grant will help
ensure the project moves forward,” said Council President Blaine A. Griffin. “I’ve fought to ensure the city provides needed funding to make this transformation a reality and am excited that two phases are already under construction. I also want to thank the partners involved and know that the residents are as excited as I am about the future in the neighborhood.”
Councilwoman Deborah Gray added, “This is great news for this transformational neighborhood project.”
The Choice Plan is redeveloping Woodhill Homes into high-quality, mixed-income apartment buildings that meet high-quality health and environmental standards. The redevelopment, which is taking place in six phases, will include approximately 372 homes and public amenities such as outdoor gathering spaces, recreational fields, and playgrounds.
“We are very grateful for this grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development that will allow us to continue on our path to develop much-needed quality affordable housing which all can agree is an essential element of neighborhood revitalization,” said CMHA CEO Jeffery K. Patterson.
“CMHA will continue to build on successful collaborations, strong partnerships, and valuable community engagement to create opportunities of this nature throughout our community.”
“The Community Builders remains committed to the promise of a stronger Woodhill neighborhood, ensuring that Cleveland residents and their families have accessible and affordable housing options,” said Jeff Beam, Regional Vice President of The Community Builders. “On behalf of our organization, I extend my deepest thanks to HUD for its support, and the many partners and leaders who made this development possible, including CMHA, the City of Cleveland, Council President Blaine Griffin, our funding partners, and most especially the residents of Woodhill.”
Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants assist in the redevelopment of severely distressed HUD- assisted properties into mixed-income communities. The program has a three-pronged “Housing, People, and Neighborhood” approach that not only includes the redevelopment of distressed properties, but also provides support to housing residents related to health, education, and income, while simultaneously investing in neighborhood improvement projects that promote economic development and private investment. Since the program’s inception, the Choice Neighborhoods program has seen 11,000 new mixed-income units built across 44 cities. More than 32,000 units are planned.
About CMHA
The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority’s mission is to create safe, quality, affordable housing opportunities and improve the quality of life for the communities we serve. CMHA owns and manages the property and administers rent subsidy programs to provide eligible low-income residents and families with safe, sustainable, dynamic communities of choice where everyone can strive for success. Visit www.cmha.net and follow @CuyahogaHousing on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
About the City of Cleveland
The City of Cleveland is committed to putting people and neighborhoods first, working to deliver high- quality city services, and leading bold change. The City is focused on building a stronger and safer Cleveland and modernizing City Hall to improve outcomes for residents, businesses, and visitors. To learn more about the City of Cleveland, visit www.clevelandohio.gov, Twitter at @CityofCleveland, or Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofcleveland
About The Community Builders
The Community Builders’ mission is to build and sustain strong communities where all people can thrive. Our mission-driven businesses work with partners to develop, finance, and operate residential communities, neighborhood amenities, and opportunity programs for families, seniors, and adults with disabilities. Since 1964, we have advanced housing equity through award-winning affordable and mixed- income communities and our pioneering Community Life model for resident success. Today, our ownership and management portfolio include over 14,000 apartment homes. Anchored by offices in Boston, Chicago, Columbus, New York, and Washington D.C., we operate across 15 states.
