HUD SECRETARY, CONGRESSMAN HAYES REVIEW NEIGHBORHOOD REVITLIZATION EFFORTS IN SOUTH CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA

WASHINGTON - Rich in history, three neighborhoods in south central North Carolina are using critical HUD resources to make a major investment in revitalization. Today, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson and Congressman Robin Hayes (NC-08) visited these communities to see firsthand how redevelopment funds are enhancing Charlotte's Grier Heights neighborhood and Greater Statesville Avenue Corridor as well as renovating the Old Armory in the city of Monroe.

"Communities in south central North Carolina will thrive again thanks to the support of HUD and Congressman Hayes," Jackson said. "Families will have safer, more affordable housing while children are able to enjoy a new recreation, education and community center. I applaud Congressman Hayes and all those who are working so hard to revitalize neighborhoods in Charlotte and the Old Armory in Monroe."

Located east of uptown Charlotte, Grier Heights is one of the most historically significant and predominately African American neighborhoods in North Carolina. Led by the Grier Heights Economic Foundation (GHEF), the area is undergoing significant improvements that will help shape the future of the community for years to come. Jackson, Hayes and local housing representatives toured the community today to see how the GHEF and City of Charlotte are using $100,000 from HUD to rehabilitate Wallace Townhomes, a 34-unit facility located in Grier Heights, by replacing heating/HVAC systems and appliances, and various general improvements.

The renovation of the Old Armory is a key element of Monroe's revitalization plan for the Quality Hills neighborhood, where 20 percent of the population lives in poverty. Monroe Mayor Bobby Kilgore led Secretary Jackson and Congressman Hayes on a tour of the Old Armory, which has been designated a "Historic Property' by the city, to show them how HUD funds are helping to turn the building into a community center for after-school tutoring and other education and recreational needs. Currently, the neighborhood does not have a facility where children or adults can congregate.

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, and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov. For more information about FHA products, please visit www.fha.gov.

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