Millions spent to replace blighted housing

Orange County committed $7 million in federal dollars to replace a blighted apartment complex in Pine Hills, replacing it with new, modern affordable housing called Emerald Villas.

It's proving popular, as 70 percent of the 264 units are spoken for.

Mayor Teresa Jacobs told WDBO it was a wise investment. "It's what we're supposed to be doing," she said.

The property, once called Seville Place, went into bankruptcy over two years ago. Crime was a problem.

"We had a property in foreclosure. we were spending money already in liens and code enforcement," she explained.

Emerald Villas, developed through the Orlando Neighborhood Improvement Corp., and Related Urban Development Group, is the latest of dozens of local affordable housing communities.

This one features a clubhouse, prominent on Pine Hills road, that includes a large swimming pool and deck, classrooms, a business center and fitness room.