NEW ORLEANS — Yesterday, the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) held a press conference alongside the Mayor’s Office, District “E” Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen, local developers and community partners to provide updates and kick-off Phase 2 of its new affordable housing development initiative in the Lower Ninth Ward.
NORA Executive Director Brenda Breaux began the event, which was detailed in a press release, with a progress report on the Orleans Housing Investment Program, a $5.3 million project that will produce 53 affordable homeownership units across the Seventh Ward, Ninth Ward, Gentilly, Hoffman Triangle and New Orleans East.
To date, NORA has completed 19 affordable housing units through the program and currently has three units under construction. All units are Energy Star V3 certified for energy efficiency and will bring down utility costs. The development includes $100,000 construction loan per unit, up to $75,000 maximum project subsidy per home, and up to $65,000 maximum homebuyer subsidy per home. Development partners include Armstrong Construction, Habitat for Humanity, Home by Hand, Iris Development, Lucas Construction, NewCorp, SBP USA and unCommon Construction.
During the press event, NORA also celebrated the groundbreaking of Phase 2 of the project and the construction of ten new affordable units along Andry Street. The site was selected for its proximity to the new school, ongoing infrastructure and city work, and through input from members of the surrounding community.
“This is a continuation of NORA’s commitment to providing quality, affordable housing where our city needs it most,” said NORA executive director Brenda Breaux. “Today, we celebrate the transformation of these vacant lots into opportunities for homeownership. We’re so proud of the years of hard work and collaboration that has gone into this project between us, the City, our District Councilwoman, and this amazing community. Now, we look forward to its implementation and bringing new light into this vibrant neighborhood. Go Lower Ninth Ward, we’re here, and here to stay.”
Through the Orleans Housing Investment Program, NORA provides vacant land, construction financing, and project and homebuyer subsidy for the development of affordable homeownership opportunities in neighborhoods across the city. For more information on NORA’s residential development programs and initiatives, visit www.noraworks.org.
