Lexington Unveils Renovated Briarwood Apartments for Affordable Housing

Interior view of a renovated apartment unit in Briarwood Apartments

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News Summary

Lexington has unveiled its renovated Briarwood Apartments, a $9.5 million project offering improved affordable rental housing for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The extensive renovations, supported by public and private funding, include significant upgrades to all 204 units. As Kentucky faces a housing shortage, this project represents a crucial step in enhancing living conditions for low-income residents. Community concerns regarding new developments are also being addressed as the city plans for further housing solutions.

Lexington has officially unveiled the renovated Briarwood Apartments, which will provide improved affordable rental housing for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This $9.5 million project is a result of a public-private partnership designed to address the growing affordable housing crisis in the area, with 204 units receiving significant upgrades.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovated apartments was held on Wednesday, marking the completion of extensive renovations supported by various funding sources. This includes $500,000 from Lexington’s affordable housing fund, along with $16.5 million in tax-exempt bonds that come with 4% low-income housing tax credits from the Kentucky Housing Corporation. Each unit has been renovated with an approximate investment of $45,000.

Originally constructed in 1979, Briarwood Apartments have undergone a transformation, featuring new appliances, countertops, bathtubs, flooring, and light fixtures. Local officials and residents expressed their excitement over the updates, which are expected to enhance the quality of life for current and future residents.

As the U.S. grapples with a severe shortage of affordable rental homes—estimated at 7.1 million for renters with extremely low incomes—Kentucky alone needs about 206,207 homes to alleviate its housing shortage. Within Fayette County and Lexington, there is a pressing requirement for over 22,000 additional housing units, which is expected to rise to 18,000 by 2029 based on demographic predictions.

While the renovations at Briarwood represent a significant step forward in the fight for affordable housing, the project is part of a broader initiative. City officials have also approved a zone change for the former Transylvania University baseball field to accommodate the construction of multi-family homes, despite concerns raised by nearby residents. This development will ultimately include 26 houses, 29 townhomes, and 179 apartments aimed at low-income families earning 80% or less of the median income in Lexington.

Funding for public infrastructure associated with the new development has been supported by a $10 million allocation from the Kentucky General Assembly. However, local residents have raised concerns regarding the density of the new project and its potential impact on traffic and flooding in the area. In response to these concerns, a density cap was established with zoning approval to limit the number of additional units beyond the current proposal.

Community members have voiced feelings of being sidelined in the planning process, highlighting a lack of communication from developers. In the face of a mounting homelessness crisis in Kentucky, advocacy groups such as Vocal Kentucky have organized rallies, including a “Housing Now” event, to call attention to the urgent need for affordable housing solutions. Many at the rally stressed that the rising number of homeless individuals is a direct result of systemic housing insecurity.

The implementation of the Safer Kentucky Act, which prohibits unlawful camping, has drawn criticism for potentially worsening the problem of homelessness rather than resolving the underlying issues of housing availability.

As Lexington moves forward with these developments, stakeholders aim to strike a balance between increased housing options and community concerns, ensuring that the needs of low-income residents are prioritized amidst a challenging housing landscape.