Fresno Breaks Ground On Public Housing Complex

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- For the first time in years, Fresno has broken ground on a huge new public housing complex. Parc Grove Commons is located at Clinton and Fresno in Central Fresno. Millions of dollars in federal stimulus money and bank loans have catapulted this project into a reality.

After sitting idle for over two years, things are finally happening at the vacant lot in Central Fresno. The 23 acre site will be home to Parc Grove Commons. Two hundred and fifteen units will provide an energy efficient home for low income families and individuals. The complex will also have a community room, a learning center, a pool and a playground. Fresno City Councilman Henry T. Perea said it's a far cry from what stood here before.

Perea said, "People were living in squalor here at this former World War II-style barracks housing. Oftentimes units didn't have heat ... rats ... I mean you name it ... it was here."

The project got tied up two years ago at the beginning of the economic downturn. But with the help of a huge loan from Wells Fargo Bank and nearly five-million dollars in federal stimulus money ... the project is back on track.

Preston Prince of the Fresno Housing Authority said, "We had to come up with a new financing plan ... we had to do a lot of redesign ... we had to look at every cost."

Those people displaced two years ago will have first opportunity to move back in when the first phase of the project is complete a year from now.

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housing, fresno, local, liz harrison

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