Housing project proposed for low-income gay seniors

A developer is proposing affordable rental apartments for the aging gay community in Wilton Manors, arguing they often face housing discrimination.

Carrfour Supportive Housing is proposing a housing development on the site of The Pride Center at Equality Park, 2040 N. Dixie Highway. The main entry lobby would connect with The Pride Center building. The project is expected to go before the Wilton Manors Planning & Zoning Board on Aug. 20.

This project would “help to address the affordable housing needs of the residents of the city of Wilton Manors. The addition of a senior living component to The Pride Center campus is a logical next step in its progression,” said David Coviello, attorney for the property owner, Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Greater Fort Lauderdale Inc., in a June 25 memo to City Hall.

Coviello wrote that The Pride Center has identified housing as a challenge, especially for gay seniors with disabilities.

“Data shows that senior LGBTQ adults, in particular, face a variety of unique challenges in securing housing,” with high rates of discrimination and “bias and sometimes even hostile treatment from landlords as well as fellow tenants,” he wrote.

The Pride Center is already known to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning community for its services, which attract scores of seniors to wellness workshops and exercise classes, among other programs, Coviello said.

Carrfour wants to build 48 apartments in a fourstory building on the northwestern part of the property for residents age 55 and older. Of those homes, 34 would be set aside for seniors with a disabling condition.

There would be a mix of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, as well as a gym, library and computer room. An

WILTON MANORS CITY HALL/COURTESY A developer wants to build 48 low-income apartments in a 4-story building for gay seniors in Wilton Manors.