The Landings at Cross Bayou has been recognized by the University of Florida Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences for Florida-friendly landscape. The affordable housing community received the acknowledgement for protecting Florida’s environment and enhancing the community by implementing draught-tolerant landscaping.
The Florida-friendly landscape program began in 2008, and is based on nine principles that help business owners and homeowners reach the goal of a Florida-friendly yard. The principles include placing plants in the right location, watering efficiently, using mulch to retain water, managing yard pests and using fertilizer responsibly, attracting wildlife, recycling yard water, reducing stormwater runoff, and protecting the waterfront.
The Landings at Cross Bayou opened in May, 2015, and provides safe, quality housing for low income families and individuals with special needs. The Pinellas County Housing Authority partnered with Norstar Development USA, LP, the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Pinellas County, to transform the French Villas public housing community into the newly renovated homes.
The 184-unit complex features a basketball court, playground, business center, fitness center, afterschool club, and more. The units have energy-efficient appliances, ceramic tile floors, and cherry wood cabinetry.
Saxon Gilmore represents the Pinellas County Housing Authority and has developed specialized expertise in matters regarding public finance and in the representation of housing authorities and related institutions. The firm has extensive experience with mixed finance projects, including bonds, tax credits, and other government funding. Saxon Gilmore serves as general counsel to numerous housing authorities throughout Florida, and acts in a consulting capacity on special projects to housing agencies throughout the country.