By Fallan Patterson
Staff Writer

Let the bulldozing commence, the ground has been blessed.

During the groundbreaking Tuesday for the newest low-income senior housing project in Osceola County, St. Anthony Garden Courts in St. Cloud, Bishop John Noonan of the Diocese of Orlando sprinkled the ground with holy water while reciting a prayer.

“One of the great gifts in life is living in our own home and what a home to find,” Noonan said of the housing project. “Bless not only the property but those who work here to safeguard them. Soon may we celebrate the fruits of our labor.”

The project will be built on the site of the former Hamilton Park townhouse development, north of 5th Street and west of Brown Chapel Road in St. Cloud, using $7 million in federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds.

While the project is slated to open in July with full occupancy expected by September, applications will only begin to be accepted 90 days prior to the opening and currently there is no waiting list, Kathy Bergloff, vice president of SPM Property Management, which will manage the property, said.

The complex will feature one- and two-bedroom rental units and will have a community center for recreational activities. Support services will be available on an as-needed basis, including limited healthcare, a 24-hour nurse call system, food and benefits assistance.

The 51-unit housing project for seniors 55 and older is a partnership between Osceola County government and Catholic Charities of Central Florida.

Arne Nelson, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Central Florida, said the county tried to find a way to use the property for more than a year before this project was decided on.

“We’re on a very, very tight schedule. Our plans were pulled together quickly,” he said. “This is going to be a great project for us.”

Osceola County Board of Commissioners Chairman Brandon Arrington pointed out the development’s location is great for seniors because of its close proximity to shopping, medical offices and transportation options, such as bus stops.

“This is a great opportunity for us to use federal funds locally on a problem we have,” Arrington said. “We here in Osceola County are very thankful for the opportunity the federal government has given us.”

More than 1,200 units for low-income senior housing in Central Florida are operated by the diocese, according to Nelson.

For more information, contact Bob Harlow at SPM Property Management at 941-795-2524.