This artist rendering from the Auburn Group shows the "green space" bordered by one-, two- and three-bedroom housing from $750-$1,000 per month in the city's southwest corridor. The $27 million project was green lighted with a recent city commission vote.

In past years the blighted Carver Estates neighborhood has been vacant, but with a recent 3-2 city commission vote in favor of allowing Villages at Delray Beach developer the Auburn Group a chance at $27 million in federal stimulus money the prospect of a new 192-unit rental neighborhood on Southwest 12th Avenue could become a reality by fall 2010. The issue has divided city staff and residents alike. Some residents question if the project will be successful, and the Community Redevelopment Agency, Planning and Zoning Board and two city commissioners have serious questions if the Villages at Delray Beach project can benefit the city.

Based in Delray Beach, Auburn Group Vice President Cito Beguiristain said they consider themselves part of the community. He said the neighborhood won’t be blight, but home to teachers, police and fire personnel, restaurant workers, construction workers, tradesmen and their families. Beguiristain also said the project will create jobs, job training and spike the local construction economy he said soars toward 25 percent unemployment. He said in the future many developments across the nation will mirror Villages at Delray.

“The Treasury Department and President Obama want to use this development as a model,” Beguiristain said.

For more information call the Auburn Group at 561-243-6800.