Welcome to today’s real estate news roundup! In Oklahoma City, residents at the Will Rogers Courts housing complex express concerns following a series of shootings, highlighting the need for improved security and maintenance. Meanwhile, Norman secures $14.5 million in tax credits for a new affordable housing project called Crimson Flats, aiming to provide income-based housing options. Additionally, Oklahoma City receives recognition as one of the “Best Places to Live” in the United States, offering a vibrant atmosphere, strong job market, and better housing affordability. Stay informed with the latest updates in the housing market by exploring the full articles below.
Residents at OKC housing complex worry after string of shootings
No arrests had been made in any of the shootings as of Monday. An investigation was underway into a string of shootings in a southwest Oklahoma City neighborhood. Two people were killed at Will Rogers Courts, a public housing complex near Stockyards City, in separate incidents on Sunday. Last month, a shooting between two groups of people ended with a 7-year-old severely injured after being caught in the crossfire.
A resident at Will Rogers Courts emailed KOCO 5, asking when someone will step in to help them. The viewer alleged that criminals have it easy at the complex because the property isn’t being taken care of, with grass and bushes growing tall, and security isn’t working hard enough. Mark Gillett, the executive director of the Oklahoma City Housing Authority, said he is frustrated with all of the violent crime happening at the complex.
“It’s very frustrating that this has been a pattern,” Gillett said. Police were called to the first homicide at around 3:30 p.m. Sunday, where a woman was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds in a residence. The second one happened around 10:40 p.m. when a man was found fatally shot on a porch.
Gillett said residents shouldn’t have to deal with this crime. “The residents that make Will Rogers their home, they don’t deserve that. They deserve to be able to have a peaceful enjoyment of where they live,” Gillett said. He said the Oklahoma City Housing Authority is working with police, but he said he thinks crime will go down with some eviction notices to those who could be involved.
The housing authority said they have about 25 security guards who are at all of the properties, and Gillett said he believes the criminals may not be residents but guests staying with others at Will Rogers Courts. Guests are supposed to check in and not stay any longer than three days. “No, that doesn’t always happen,” Gillett said.
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The guards have around 4,000 units to cover, and they can’t always be at every scene, Gillett said. “We are not able to be there all the time, which is what the general public would like, the residents especially would like. That’s just not possible with funding that we have,” Gillett said.
Norman secures $14.5 million in tax credits for new affordable housing project
The City of Norman has been awarded $14.5 million in Affordable Housing Tax Credits by the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA). This significant funding is a crucial step towards increasing affordable housing in the city.
The tax credits will be utilized for the proposed Crimson Flats development, which aims to provide income-based housing options for future tenants. The project will consist of 75 units, with 40 of them being 1-bedroom apartments. Accessibility and inclusivity are prioritized, as the facility will accept Section 8 vouchers and be built with accessibility features in mind.
The completion of the Crimson Flats development is expected in 2026, and it will be located at Imhoff Road and Oakhurst Avenue.
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OKC named one of the ‘Best Places to Live’ in 2024. See why
Oklahoma City has been recognized as one of the ‘Best Places to Live’ in the United States, ranking 16th on the U.S. News & World Report’s list for 2024-2025. This national study evaluated 150 major cities based on various factors in four categories.
Oklahoma City stands out for its Western heritage, offering a vibrant cowboy history, festivals, horse shows, museums, and even the world’s largest stocker-feeder cattle market. The city also boasts attractions such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, numerous parks and trails, an entertainment district near downtown, and a thriving dining scene.
The report highlights the city’s transformation into a more energetic and progressive place, thanks to an influx of younger residents. Oklahoma City now buzzes with life until the early hours of the morning, providing a dynamic atmosphere for its tight-knit community.
Commuting in Oklahoma City is shorter than the national average, and the city offers better housing affordability compared to median household income. The job market in OKC is also robust, particularly in energy, aviation, and healthcare sectors.
While the city excels in many areas, its schools received lower rankings due to the college readiness index. However, Oklahoma City’s crime rate remains lower than other major cities, despite slightly higher rates compared to the national average.
To learn more about why Oklahoma City is one of the best places to live, click here.
Norman awarded $14.5 million for proposed housing project | News | oudaily.com
The city of Norman has received a $14.5 million award from the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency for the proposed Crimson Flats affordable housing project. This funding will support the development of a multifamily housing complex comprising 75 units, including one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. The project, located at the Northeast corner of Imhoff Road and Oakhurst Avenue, is expected to be completed in 2026.
The award announcement was made during the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency’s board of trustees meeting in May. The partnership between the city and Milestone Property Development LLC will bring this much-needed affordable housing project to reality. The proposed Crimson Flats development also includes plans for a standalone storm shelter that may serve as a community room for the residents.
The city of Norman recognizes the importance of affordable housing and is grateful for the opportunity to address this need. Final approval by OHFA will greatly benefit the community, according to Lisa Krieg, a staff member from Planning and Community Development.
To learn more about this exciting housing project, read the full article here.