Ground broken on new low-income housing units in Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. — The Hub City is preparing to build some new homes for low-income households.

Wednesday morning, the Tennessee Housing Development Agency and Jackson Housing Authority hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for BlueCreek Apartments and The Cottages of BlueCreek.

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the State of Tennessee is short 128,000 low-income housing units. Also, only 42 rental homes are available and affordable for every 100 extremely low-income households statewide.

“It’s the beginning of a new chapter for Jackson, Tennessee; a beacon of hope for our families who need it the most, and a testament to the power of collaboration, dedication, and for some of y’all really know what I’m talking about: patience. This has been a long process,” said Mark Reid, Executive Director of Jackson Housing Authority.

These two organizations, along with many others statewide, address the housing shortage by promoting the production, preservation, and rehabilitation of homes for low income families.

These projects are being funded through low-income housing tax credits awarded by the THDA totaling up to $23 million.

This new development will add 112 affordable housing units in the east Jackson area.

“This is the greatest opportunity that the church has had in east Jackson in a long time, so I’m really excited about what’s going on today,” said State Representative Johnny Shaw – District 80. “Looking forward to the development of it and hope I’ll be here when it all happens to say again, thank you.”

Several other speakers were present at the event, including THDA Director Ralph Perry, City of Jackson Mayor Scott Conger, Madison County Mayor A.J. Massey, spokespeople for both of our U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty.

BlueCreek Apartments will be at the corner of North Royal Street and Preston Street. The Cottages at Blue Creek will be along Conger Street, Allen Street, and East King Street.

The new complex will have a community room, computer room, laundry rooms and a playground.

For more local news, click here.