ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla — Wednesday, there was a ribbon cutting for some much-needed new apartments that the working class can actually afford.
The energy was positive and smiles were on every face for the gathering at Victoria Crossing Apartments on State Road 207 in St. Augustine. Turnstone Development Corporation representatives, St. Johns County government officials, and some of the complex' new residents mingled.
"It’s been such a blessing," Alberto Cabana said. He moved into one of the units recently.
This affordable housing complex has rent rates ranging from $375 a month to $1,180 a month, depending on income and number of residents per unit. That’s a lot less than most other apartments in St. Johns County that have rental rates hovering around $2,000 a month.
"I worked my whole life. I was a truck driver. Owner operator," Cabana said.
However, Cabana lost his truck during the recession in 2009. Recently, he was on the verge of homelessness. The trailer he’d been renting with two other people was about to be demolished.
"There was not way I could afford to live in any kind of apartment. I’m on social security," Cabana told First Coast News.
Then he was accepted at Victoria Crossing.
Victoria Crossing is on approximately 13 acres with four 3-story buildings that house 96 units. It has a covered picnic pavilion and a playground. Additionally, there is an oversized community room and building, which also serves as an emergency shelter.
Sue Wiemer is the Interim Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer for Turnstone Development Corporation. She said, "When we did the market study three years ago, it showed a high need for affordable housing, as market rents in the area were 102% higher than the rents offered at Victoria Crossing. Occupancies were at a rate of 98.9%, which clearly demonstrated the need for more affordable housing. The rents at Victoria Crossing will remain affordable for at least 40 years."
There are 24 one-bedroom units, 42 two-bedroom units and 30 three-bedroom units, with all units having an open balcony or patio, according to Wiemer.
St. Johns County Commissioner Roy Alaimo said, "We’ve recognized the working class is being price out of the market here in St. Johns County."
There is a bit of a backstory to the land where Victoria Crossing sits. Before the apartments were approved for construction, there was a homeless center called Home Again St. Johns on the property
That homeless center had plans to build about 100 homes for homeless on the land. The goal was to help those residents transition into more permanent homes.
In 2021, St. Johns County Commissioners booted the homeless center off the land in order to build these apartments on it and to take advantage of some federal funding. The county commission’s choices at the time: evict the homeless center or lose the money for affordable housing entirely.
During a 2021 county commission meeting in which this issue was discussed, Commissioner Henry Dean said "Because of the restrictions HUD is applying, our hands are tied."
Two years later, the Home Again St. Johns homeless center is in a trailer with a hose for a shower and only one bathroom. Home Again St. Johns is fundraising to build on another piece of land.
Meanwhile, Victoria Crossing is indeed helping the working class which is another portion of the population that is also dealing with housing issues.
Cabana is thankful for a safe, clean place to call home.
"I thank the Lord for it everyday," he said.