$9.5 Million in Recovery Act Grants Released to Stabilize DC Neighborhoods

The District of Columbia will be receiving a $9.5 million grant from the US Housing and Urban Development to boost the housing market, create more job opportunities, and stimulate growth in neighborhoods affected by high rates of foreclosure and vacancy.

Thanks to the collaborative work of the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, three neighborhoods will largely benefit from he plan: Deanwood, Anacostia and Trinidad/Ivy City.

These departments are targeting single-family and multi-family redevelopment and preservation, which are much needed measures in those three areas previously mentioned.

Deanwood is one of the oldest neighborhood in northeast DC. It’s a relatively low density neighborhood with many of its homes built by well-known African-American architects. It also includes early communities historically known as Whittingman, Lincoln Heights, and Burrville.

Anacostia is another historic neighborhood named after Anacostia River. It includes most, if not all, of the Anacostia Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Trinidad is a largely residential area with a more industrial and impoverished north, the Ivy City.

Stabilizing these neighborhoods, according to chief officials, can be by acquiring and selling vacant and foreclosed properties and generating homeownership property.

We are dedicated to creating economic opportunities and stabilizing our neighborhoods,” Mayor Adrian Fenty said. “The additional funning support is essential and will directly- and quickly- reach the Washington neighborhoods and residents that present the greatest need.”

The grant is awarded competitively to local entities including local governments and non-profit developers who “developed the most innovative ideas to rebuild local communities, while demonstrating that they have the capacity to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.”

photo credit: DC Digital Photography