Daytona Beach Public Housing Improvements

Rep. Mica and the City of Daytona Beach were successful in securing federal assistance for the replacement of public housing units.  On March 4, 2003, the Bush Administration and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Mel Martinez awarded the city a $17 million HOPE VI grant for the replacement of aging and dilapidated rental units.

Federal funds, along with private monies and tax credits, will be utilized to assist the Daytona Beach Housing Authority redevelop Bethune Village and Halifax Park.  These aging pubic housing communities will be replaced with new apartments equipped with modern and contemporary appliances.

On December 2, 2005, Rep. Mica attended a "passing of the keys" ceremony to honoring Clive and Daylia Vernon who purchased the first home under the Daytona Beach Housing Authority HOPE VI Program.  The HOPE VI program allows residents to become homeowners and is a new approach to public housing policy.  Congressman Mica had been working with HUD officials and Daytona Beach housing leaders and residents since 1999 to secure federal approval for a HOPE VI grant.