Housing Authority pulled a fast one on the community

The Orlando Housing Authority pulled a fast one on residents and the public Thursday (6/21).

Residents and others planned to attend the Housing Authority board meeting that was listed for 2 p.m. Thursday because many people were alarmed at the news that the Griffin Park public housing in Parramore is scheduled to be demolished. The meeting noticed was listed days ago on the Orlando City Clerk's website.

Under the Florida Sunshine Law meetings of public bodies, such as the Housing Authority board, are supposed to post advanced notice they are planning to meet. However, the Housing Authority meeting notice was posted, but the meeting was not held.

A spokeswoman for the Housing Authority said there was a mix-up and that the meeting will be held 2 p.m. next Thursday (6/28) at 325 N. Hillside Ave.

Griffin Park, which sits at the edge of State Road 408 just off Parramore Avenue, was the subject of a major investigative article in the Huffington Post that reported on how many people suffer from asthma and other health problems because of exposure to the exhaust fumes from the highway and toxic substances in the ground.

The housing project, which is 70 years old, was built on a garbage dump.

In addition, many of the units are suffer from mold and mildew and residents complain of problems with roaches and other pests. These issues contribute to health problems that afflict many residents, especially children.

Despite this, some residents are alarmed at the news that the housing project will be razed because it’s very difficult to find affordable housing in metro Orlando.

Demolishing Griffin Park contributes to the gentrification narrative that poor minority residents are being pushed out of downtown communities to make room for wealthier residents. This scenario is being played out around the country from San Francisco to New York City.

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