Nashville is one of 10 cities awarded the Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The $500,000 grant will fund a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plan for the Napier Place and Sudekum Apartments housing developments.
“Investing in our communities is investing in our children and their future,” said HUD Southeast Region Administrator Ed Jennings, Jr. “These Choice Neighborhood Planning grants are foundational to building vibrant and resilient neighborhoods that provide the kind of opportunity and hope that is essential to building a brighter future for those truly in need.”
MDHA will use the grant to plan the revitalization of the two public housing developments based on HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration program.
“This grant is yet another tool in our city’s toolbox to build economic opportunity for all Nashvillians. It is my goal that the Napier Sudekum neighborhood – the parents, the children and all the residents of public housing – will benefit from these planning efforts,” said Nashville Mayor Megan Barry. “Once again, Nashville has been recognized for our work to expand economic prosperity to the whole city.”
Choice Neighborhood planning focuses on three core goals: Housing, People and Neighborhoods. To achieve these goals, the plan will guide the Rental Assistance Demonstration resourced recapitalization of public housing apartments, while simultaneously leading the transformation of the surrounding neighborhood and improving opportunities for resident families.
“We are excited to begin Choice Neighborhood Napier/Sudekum planning,” said MDHA Executive Director Jim Harbison. “With the help of Napier and Sudekum residents and the surrounding community, we plan to transform this neighborhood, foster future growth and improve opportunities for our residents and their families.”
MDHA served as the lead grantee, with Martha O’Bryan Center as the co-grantee. Twelve key partners also played a role in the grant process: Family and Children’s Service, the Metro Public Health Department, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, Abigail Ministries Incorporated, Belmont University, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Harvest Hands, Neighborhood Health, Napier Community Center, Trevecca Nazarene University, Wayne Reed Christian Child Care Center and the Metro Nashville Planning Department.
“Martha O’Bryan Center and MDHA are invaluable resources to Middle Tennessee,” said Congressman Jim Cooper (TN-5). “I’m honored to celebrate with them as they receive the Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant.”
