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New housing project has residents excited

Posted at 6:53 PM, May 12, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-12 18:53:52-04
This is a big day for Patricia Gray.
 
“I don’t have the words for this. I really don’t,” she said.
 
Gray helped cut the ribbon on a brand new residential community and she’ll be one of the first to move in.
 
“This is so amazing. It’s so nice and pretty. I can’t wait to move in. That’s the problem,” she said.
 
Hilltop Landings Apartments in Dade City is a $15 million dollar project, that replaces the dilapidated Dade Oaks.
 
Dade Oaks is the nearly 40-year-old low income housing complex built at the bottom of a drainage basin, where it floods with even the slightest rain.
 
Now more than 50 families still living there get the first chance to move here.
 
There are 69 total units at Hilltop Landings.
 
“I’m ecstatic. I can’t believe all the upgrades they made for us. Our kitchen is beautiful,” said future resident Suzette Sharrer.
 
Hilltop Landings was built to have a community feel with front porches so residents can get to know each other.
 
There’s also a playground, and cameras for enhanced security.
 
“It will really change lives of the people that live here, and it’s a great opportunity and it’s our hope that they appreciate the opportunity and take care of the opportunity they’ve been given,” said Pasco County Housing Authority Chairman David Lambert.
 
Those who want to live here, have to apply and qualify.
 
And rent is on a sliding scale based on income.
 
This is the first new project for Pasco’s beleaguered Housing Authority in 35 years.
 
They are already at work on the next project, housing for the elderly, possibly in Zephyrhills.
 
“We’ve got 3,000 seniors roughly on our waiting list in Pasco County to get housing so that’s going to be a new opportunity for the Housing Authority,” said Lambert.
 
New residents will start moving to the new apartments Monday.
 
The Housing Authority is still taking applications.
 
The old apartment complex down the street will be torn down and used for storm water retention.