Two new houses are complete and eight houses are in development within the core improvement area of Lake Wales.
The development comes within 120 days of the new affordable housing incentive programs offered by the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to private housing developers and homebuyers.
Developer Idarousse Charif, owner of Ameera Investments LLC, sees the value in the CRA’s Developer Incentive Program. “I just completed the first house, and I have more lots to build on,” Charif said.
Both city and county impact fees may be waived to developers building affordable houses in the core improvement area that lays alongside US Highway 27 and Scenic Highway between Florida Avenue, Emerald Avenue and SR 60.
“The incentive programs we offer provide more affordable opportunities to homebuyers,” City Manager James Slaton said.
First time homebuyer, Earnestine Buxton and husband, Veteran Clyde L. Buxton are set to close on the house built by Ameera Investments LLC. The Buxton’s qualified for the CRA’s Affordable Housing Down Payment Assistance Program, which provides up to $15,000 towards closing costs.
“This is a dream come true for us,” Ms. Buxton said. “The process to qualify was easy.”
The Lake Wales CRA requires developers to sell houses to qualified homebuyers at or below 120% of the area median income.
Private developers interested in the developer incentive program may contact the CRA at (863) 678-4050 ext. 252.
Homebuyers interested in qualifying for the affordable housing down payment assistance program are encouraged to contact Hands of Central Florida at (863) 682-1025, or visit cflhands.org.