Crestview partners with Gregg Chapel A.M.E. on affordable housing project near downtown

Tony Judnich, Northwest Florida Daily News
·3 min read

CRESTVIEW — Led by the Rev. Cecil Williams, Gregg Chapel A.M.E. Church of Fort Walton Beach proposes building at least 17 apartments for low- and moderate-income families near downtown Crestview.

The church, which was formed in 1951 and has vast experience in helping needy residents in the south part of Okaloosa County, was the lone bidder to respond to Crestview’s request for proposals for affordable housing development concepts.

The City Council on Monday unanimously approved a partnership with the church to provide the proposed housing development that would be called Vineyard Village.

The Rev. Cecil Williams of Gregg Chapel AME Church in Fort Walton Beach stands on the property that would eventually become the Nathaniel Smith Jr. House of Valor. Gregg Chapel has proposed developing housing for low- and moderate-income residents in Crestview.
The Rev. Cecil Williams of Gregg Chapel AME Church in Fort Walton Beach stands on the property that would eventually become the Nathaniel Smith Jr. House of Valor. Gregg Chapel has proposed developing housing for low- and moderate-income residents in Crestview.

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City staff will work with Williams on a proposed contract that will contain the specific terms of the partnership and come back later to the council for its approval.

The site of the proposed apartments is a vacant, 1-acre city-owned property west of South Wilson Street and between West Bowers and West Field avenues. Crestview bought the property early last year and later relocated tenants from several unsafe, run-down houses at the site before having the structures demolished.

These houses on West Bowers Avenue in Crestview were purchased by the city and demolished. Gregg Chapel A.M.E. Church of Fort Walton Beach plans to provide safe and affordable housing on the land.
These houses on West Bowers Avenue in Crestview were purchased by the city and demolished. Gregg Chapel A.M.E. Church of Fort Walton Beach plans to provide safe and affordable housing on the land.

During his presentation at Monday’s meeting, Williams said Vineyard Village will consist of at least a two-story, 14-unit building and a one-story, three-unit building and will have on-site management. While still providing sufficient parking, the overall development could have as many as 20 apartments, he and City Manager Tim Bolduc said.

“We want to get the highest number of units at the most affordable rates,” Bolduc said.

Williams said each apartment would be about 960 square feet and will have two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The two-story building will have an elevator and will have units for disabled people on the first floor, he said.

“Our plan is to work with the city to keep the unit monthly rent at an affordable rate (at or under) $900 per month,” Williams said in the church’s proposal letter to the city. “We believe this is possible. We will select our building contractor for this project based upon their considerations for those in need and willing to give back.”

He also said in the letter that the church’s administrative fees “are lower than the regular developer and we are not in the business for profit but strictly ministry.”

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The church will seek a grant through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and other funding sources for the estimated $2 million Vineyard Village project, said Williams, who wasn’t ready Monday to provide a construction timeline.

Council members heartily supported Williams and the proposed apartments.

“We need more people like you to help provide housing in our area,” Councilman Shannon Hayes said. “I know you’re a man of your word and if you say you can do it, I believe you can.”

Jay Wilde stands with his service dog Simba outside of his apartment at the Nathaniel Smith Jr. House of Valor in Fort Walton Beach. Gregg Chapel A.M.E. Church has proposed developing an affordable housing complex in Crestview.
Jay Wilde stands with his service dog Simba outside of his apartment at the Nathaniel Smith Jr. House of Valor in Fort Walton Beach. Gregg Chapel A.M.E. Church has proposed developing an affordable housing complex in Crestview.

Gregg Chapel A.M.E. Church is one of the greatest and most loving organizations in the area, Councilman Joe Blocker said.

“I highly recommend you,” he told Williams. “I want to see (Vineyard Village) get done in Crestview.”

The church’s extensive experience in providing low-rent housing goes back to 1989, when it bought several lots and a house on McGriff Street in Fort Walton Beach, according to information from Williams.

Two old military housing barracks later were moved to McGriff Street and remodeled into five two-bedroom apartments, each of which currently rents for $575 per month. The house, which has three bedrooms and also underwent church-led renovations, is rented for $650 per month.

Among other church-led housing initiatives over the years, Gregg Chapel in 2017 began the Nathaniel Smith Jr. House of Valor development on Nicholson Street in Fort Walton Beach.

This six-unit property opened in the summer of 2018 and provides housing for formerly homeless male veterans. Each unit currently rents for $550 a month.

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Crestview, Gregg Chapel A.M.E. Church to build low-rent housing