HUD Secretary Mel Martinez this week awarded 28 cities some $494.2 million in HOPE VI grants that will be used to revitalize distressed public housing units and spur economic development in these communities. Since the program's creation in 1992, HUD has awarded some $5 billion in HOPE VI grants to 114 cities.

"Revitalizing distressed communities continues to be a priority of this Administration," Martinez said in a HUD news release. "The grants awarded today will revitalize neighborhoods, improve lives and transform communities for years to come."

This revitalized property was made possible by a 1999 HOPE VI grant to the Bradenton (FLA) Housing Authority.

The awardees will rebuild more nearly 10,000 housing units, including some 3,700 public housing units with HOPE VI funds, 3,800 affordable and market rental units and nearly 2,400 homes for sale with private funds. The awardees will also demolish more than 7,200 aging public housing units.

Many cities plan to construct community centers that will house childcare, employment and healthcare services and recreational facilities. A number of approved plans create architectural features that will blend the new developments with their surrounding communities.

HUD will pay relocation costs for residents who are displaced by the revitalization effort. Relocated residents who meet program requirements will be given the opportunity to move back to the newly constructed units. If residents choose not to return they will be given vouchers to subsidize their rents in privately owned apartments and will be provided with job training and other services that are offered to residents of revitalized developments.

Some 140,000 aging public housing units have been or are slated for demolition using HOPE VI funding and other HUD programs.