By Marie Gilmore
It took just four years for a vacant piece of property in Brandon to be purchased, developed, built and opened as Blue Sky Brandon, affordable housing for local families, and developers are thrilled that the much-needed project is already a success.
The brand new 120-unit, affordable family housing community was built by funding provided by Hillsborough County, Florida Housing Finance Corporation, J.P. Morgan Chase, Neighborhood Lending Partners and Raymond James Tax Credit Funds.
In June, lenders, builders and county representatives gathered to officially open the complex, which has a waiting list for apartments.
“We are very proud of this project,” described Shawn Wilson, representing Blue Sky. “We want to be a place that gives families a new start.” All of the apartments have income limits and 108 are reserved for families earning less than $32,000 per year. Twelve units are reserved for families earning less than $22,000 per year and six of those units are also reserved for special needs residents. The rental rates are set by the State of Florida and are based on income.
Wilson explained, “At Blue Sky, we don’t just want to give people space, we want to upgrade as many things as possible and make it a great place to live.”
With that, the apartments boast granite counter tops, keyless entry, 9 ft. ceilings, balconies, stainless steel appliances and the community offers a resort-style pool and clubhouse with children’s activity room, social and recreational services.
The gated community offers one, two and three bedroom floorpans and started moving in its first tenants in early May.
In attendance at the ribbon cutting were local dignitaries, Chamber members, Hillsborough County Commissioners Victor D. Crist and Pat Kemp, Air Force Veteran Greg Mouradian who received a special flag presentation and representatives of The Brandon Foundation Angel Program who received a $6,000 donation including $5,000 from Blue Sky and $1,000 from its partner Chase Bank.
Blue Sky Brandon is located just off of S.R. 60 near Parsons Ave. at 504 Cobalt Blue Ave, Brandon, FL, 33510. It is managed by Carteret Management Corp.
Blue Sky is building Sweetwater Villas, a project in Tampa and expects completion next year.
For more information, visit www.blueskybrandon.com.
