About 15 to 20 other counties will be competing for the opportunity to have a complex built. But only one or two counties will be awarded funding for the multimillion-dollar housing project, Campbell said. Local officials believe the proposed facility could provide housing for those now living in Frank George Apartments. Plans to demolish the riverfront apartments have been discussed by Palatka city officials for many years. City Manager Allen Bush said once the riverfront property is cleared the city will sell it to a developer.
Officials believe the property is important for economic development along the city's riverfront.
Campbell said he hopes the city will use the proposed facility. It can be road paving or waiving impact fees. We're looking at 50 to 60 units right now with the funding that we already have. Bush said the city recently hired a consulting firm, which Campbell is working closely with to research the possibility of building new apartments to replace the units in Frank George Apartments. Though city officials and Campbell have not entered into an agreement, Campbell told commissioners the population of senior citizens has increased over the past few years.