‘It’s like coming back home’: Some BTW residents return and find big changes

Shenenia Hoskin lived in the Booker T. Washington public housing complex before it was torn down and replaced with more upscale apartments.

Now, she’s one of the first residents to move into what’s called Columbus Commons.

“I was in the old BTW so it’s like coming back home,” Hoskin said Monday, standing in the parking lot surrounded by green landscaping.

Yet, there was really no comparison, Hoskin said, as she rattled off all the new amenities. The list included luxury vinyl flooring, stainless steel appliances, counter tops, as well as her first dishwasher and balcony.

“Come out at sunset, come out at night; I just love it,” she said, referring to the neighborhood atmosphere. “I’m very happy to be here.”

The new housing development at the intersection of Veterans Parking and Victory Drive was redeveloped by the Columbus Public Housing Authority in partnership with Columbia Residential, a company that specializes in quality affordable housing.

Verona Campbell, chief real estate officer for the housing authority, said the agency has already received 1,364 applications for the 106 units. Thirty-one of the units have been designated for public housing, 15 for market rent and 60 for project-based vouchers.

Former BTW residents and homeless people are given first and second preference, respectively, she said.

Sabrina Richards, director of housing enterprise operations, said five people have already moved into the complex, and five are scheduled to move in on Wednesday. Administrators hope to have a grand-opening in November.

Prospective residents can choose between the Garden and Town Home floorplans. Three-bedroom apartments have double vanities and an island in the kitchen.

Richards said market rent for one-bedroom units start of at $729; for two bedroom units at $991; and the three-bedroom apartments at $1,293.

“Those rents will fluctuate depending on what the market is,” she said. “So they may go down, depending on the market.”

Richards said there is no waiting list on the market rent units, and they will be leased on a first-come, first-served basis.

“I get a lot of interest, and some meet the criteria and some don’t,” she said. “You have to make two anda half times the rent. Some may have an income shortfall, or they might not make some of the other criteria.”

The leasing office includes a fitness center, computer lab and a laundry room with windows so parents and grandparents can watch children on the playground. There are two community rooms where residents can hold baby showers, birthday parties and other events at no charge. The site also has two gazebos and an outdoor grilling area.

Anita Jarrett lived in BTW for nearly 30 years. She now lives in a one-bedroom apartment at Columbus Commons, and is glad the old complex is gone.

“ I just seen the playground when I was walking down there, and I said, ‘I gotta go get my great-grandbaby and bring her down here,” she said. “... I love it. I’m blessed to live here.”

This story was originally published October 3, 2017 at 7:45 PM with the headline "‘It’s like coming back home’: Some BTW residents return and find big changes."