JACKSON RETURNS TO DALLAS NEIGHBORHOOD HE HELPED TO REVITALIZE
Homecoming showcases model homeownership development

DALLAS - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson today returned to a West Dallas neighborhood he helped to revitalize when he led the City's public housing authority from 1989 to 1996. Jackson toured Greenleaf Village, a 68-acre area that was once the site of barracks-style public housing, near a lead smelting plant and plagued by open-air drug markets. Today, Greenleaf Village is home to 305 single family homes owned by a cross section of families, including former public housing residents who are now stakeholders in their own communities.

Jackson toured several blocks of the neighborhood, spoke to residents and reflected on the remarkable conversion that has occurred in the decade since he developed an affordable housing master plan for the area's revitalization.

"The transformation of this neighborhood is nothing short of remarkable," said Jackson. "Greenleaf Village is a shining example of how HUD's investment, along with a commitment from the business community and the nonprofit sector can help families move from a lifetime of public assistance to self sufficiency."

Ann Lott, president and chief executive officer of the Dallas Housing Authority said, "What we see in Greenleaf Village today is the result of the vision for homeownership Secretary Jackson had more than ten years ago. Through a remarkable partnership, this neighborhood has gone from hopelessness to a community of families with deep roots and a commitment to building their American Dream."

Built on land formerly owned by DHA, Greenleaf Village was developed by KB Homes and Habitat for Humanity to provide a mixed-income affordable environment for hundreds of families looking to become homeowners. This $25 million partnership between the public, private and not-for-profit sectors created homes priced between $65,000 and $165,000 and allowing homeownership opportunities for some families who were previously public housing residents.

In 2001, Jackson returned to Dallas to take part in a groundbreaking ceremony at the site and today revisited the area to witness the completion of the neighborhood's transformation. Greenleaf Village is conveniently located near a HUD-funded senior housing development and a YMCA facility dedicated to Jackson. Tomorrow, Jackson plans to host a town hall meeting and to make a major funding announcement to benefit the State of Texas.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.