Blue Sky Communities has opened another affordable housing complex, this time in Fort Pierce Florida. Blue Sky Landing is a $47 million affordable housing complex at 100 Blue Sky Circle. This opening marks the completion of Phase 1, with all residents now settled in, and the near completion of Phase 2, poised to welcome occupants in late April to early May. Blue Sky Landing stands as a testament to the collaborative effort in addressing the critical need for affordable
housing.
Bringing peace to residents
The development began with its groundbreaking in November 2021 and has since evolved into a community with four residential buildings and a standalone clubhouse, all overlooking a picturesque pond.
New resident and retiree, Pamela Schlicting shared her story with attendees at the ribbon-cutting:
“Before moving here, for five years I lived in a shack. It was infested, I had no windows that I could open, it was dark all the time, and I was fighting cancer. I eventually called 211 for support with an electric bill, shared my story, and they helped get me on a waiting list at Blue Sky Landing. Now I get to see the sun rise and set from my apartment. I feel like I’m living in a penthouse, I have so much light. My mental health and physical health have improved, my heart is full of love and gratitude, and I want to give back as much as I can… Finally, I am at peace, and more than that, I am home again. I hope I can live my remaining days here at Blue Sky.”
Related: Affordable Senior Housing to Open Up in Hillsborough
Blue Sky Landing will offer a total of 164 units, including a mix of 4 studio, 36 one-bedroom, 96 two- bedroom, and 28 three-bedroom apartments. The community caters to families earning between 33%-60% of AMI, with rental prices ranging from $455 for a studio to $1,214 for a three-bedroom unit.
The property’s amenities include a fitness center, pool, playground, and clubhouse, aimed at fostering community and supporting the well-being of its residents.
Working with community partners
St. Lucie County played a crucial role by providing a 50-year lease for the nine-acre property. The AMI (Area Median Income) requirements for Phase 1 and Phase 2 ensure that the housing remains accessible to those who need it most, with a focus on families. Additional funding was provided by Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Raymond James Affordable Housing Investments, TD Bank, Chase Bank, and a tax-exempt bond issued by the St. Lucie County Housing Finance
Authority.
Shawn Wilson of Blue Sky Communities remarked on the importance of the property, stating:
“Affordable housing means a place where a family can live and be comfortable and thrive, and pay a rent that doesn’t break the bank.” Echoing this sentiment, Linda Hudson, Mayor of the City of Fort Pierce, highlighted the collaborative nature of the development, “Our public-private collaboration with St. Lucie County and Blue Sky Communities has led to the creation of a new neighborhood designed for working families. The attractive Blue Sky Landing development aims to foster community bonds and offer residents an enhanced quality of life.”