For Immediate Release
Contact: Irma Alexander at
ialexander@meridianhousing.net
601 482-5042
FRANK BERRY COURTS COMMUNITY CELEBRATES NEW BEGINNINGS
Grand Reopening Ceremony Set for Oct. 5, 2011, Meridian, Mississippi
WHAT:
City, state, and local officials, including Meridian Mayor Cheri Barry, will join Executive Director Ron Turner Sr of the Meridian Housing Authority along with the Michaels Development Company to celebrate the grand “re-opening” of the Frank Berry Court community.
The event marks the dramatic revitalization and transformation of outdated and obsolete public housing structures into a vibrant, modern, and sustainable housing community. This historic community transformation also ensures the restoration of the rich Frank Berry Court history. It will also make certain that quality affordable housing for low-and-moderate income families in Meridian will be accessible for years to come.
WHEN:
Wednesday, October 5, 2011, 10:00 A.M.
(A ribbon cutting ceremony and community parade lead by the Meridian High School Wildcat Drumline and JROTC will kick off at 9:45 a.m. )
WHERE:
Frank Berry Courts Community Center, 804 42nd Avenue, Meridian, Mississippi. The ceremony will take place outside under the big tent.
DETAILS:
The revitalized Frank Berry Courts development is breathing new life into the city of Meridian. The community, which was originally constructed in 1939, has been completely rehabilitated and modernized with energy-saving features and amenities that have created new space for enhanced supportive services for its residents.
Last year, the Meridian Housing Authority was awarded an $8.5 million grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development which was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The ARRA funding opportunity enabled job creation and the total redevelopment of the Frank Berry community initiative. The rehabilitation of the site has been strongly supported by area residents, local businesses, community leaders, and city and state officials, many of whom will be joining MHA and Michaels for this celebration.
Photo opportunities will include: the community parade and ribbon cutting ceremony, remarks from the Mayor, residents, state officials and local community leaders.
The opening of the revitalized Frank Berry Court community center will feature a new state of the art computer lab and adult education center for the residents.
About the Meridian Housing Authority: The MHA exists to provide decent, safe and affordable housing opportunities with reasonable accommodations for eligible citizens of Meridian, Mississippi. Additionally, the agency conducts several social service programs that promote self-sufficiency, empowerment and respect. MHA currently owns and operates 1,215 viable public housing units and administers 187 housing choice vouchers throughout the city of Meridian.
About the Michaels Organization: Michaels Development Company and Interstate Realty Management are part of The Michaels Organization, a family of companies dedicated to excellence in affordable, mixed-income, student, and military housing. Michaels Development Company is the number-one ranked privately held affordable housing owner in the country and in 2010 was named the Multifamily Development Firm of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders. Its sister company, Interstate Realty Management, is an award-winning property and asset management company offering nationally acclaimed social services. Visit www.TheMichaelsOrg.com to learn more.
THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS INVITED
