Dearborn, Mich. – Today, U.S. Representative John D. Dingell (D-MI15) spoke as the guest of honor at the groundbreaking ceremony for the redevelopment of Parkview Apartments, which will be named  “Hamilton Crossing” at 596 South Hamilton Street in Ypsilanti, Michigan.  The event featured a ceremonial groundbreaking, live music, and food for invited guests.  

“I’d like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make Parkview’s redevelopment possible. I’m very honored to have done my part to move this project along, and I hope it will become a valuable resource for Ypsilanti.”

Parkview Apartments, a low-income housing development, was almost foreclosed upon by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 2004.   Congressman Dingell worked to preserve Parkview as an affordable housing resource for the residents of Ypsilanti, and in 2008, Congressman Dingell was able to secure an amendment to the Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008.  This amendment specifically authorized the discounted sale of Parkview by HUD to the Ypsilanti Housing Commission (YHC).   In May 2010, the Parkview Tenants Association reached an agreement with HUD concerning the sale of Parkview. 

The settlement, which has been approved by the Ypsilanti’s city council, stipulates existing Parkview tenants (35 families) will receive section 8 vouchers and relocation assistance from HUD while the property is being redeveloped.  Moreover, the YHC will receive a total of 144 new section 8 vouchers, which are to be used for the benefit of Parkview tenants and the redevelopment of Parkview itself.  Finally, HUD agreed in the settlement to transfer the Parkview property to the YHC for a nominal sum, as well as provide up to $5.7 million in grants to support the property’s redevelopment.

“I can’t express how thrilled I am that Parkview is finally being redeveloped,” said Dingell.  “This is long overdue, but better late than never because Ypsilanti’s people need resources like Parkview now more than ever. “

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