As you are aware, Van Doren Avenue and Leisure Lane has always been a socio-economically depressed area that has a history of high activity for drugs and prostitution. The area contains sub-standard housing, of which many are abandoned or condemned, leaving residents to live in deplorable and unsafe conditions. In January, Habitat for Humanity launched a five year revitalization project entitled the Town and Country Villas Project which will build a total of thirty-five quality, affordable homes for low-income families in need. The goal of the project is to create a sense of pride in the community by establishing a safe and healthy neighborhood. This will not only diminish the drug and prostitution activity, but will also increase property values resulting in an increase for the tax base for the City.  The project also will provide a number of new homes specifically for veterans experiencing a need for housing in the West Pasco area.

The adoption of this resolution expressing support for this project will demonstrate the City's commitment to its goal of enhancing the quality of life for its residents.