Pennrose is thrilled to share that the City of Newport News, VA and the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority are the recipients of a $30 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI) program. Funding from the grant will be used to transform the Marshall-Ridley area in the Southeast Community, creating new housing options, community services and public green space.

“We are incredibly thankful to HUD for recognizing the opportunity in the Marshall Ridley neighborhood and investing in its future as a vibrant neighborhood for the entire community to enjoy,” said Ivy Dench-Carter, Regional Vice President at Pennrose. “We look forward to working closely with the City, Housing Authority and community partners to create a place where residents can live fulfilling and successful lives.”

The Marshall-Ridley Choice Neighborhood Transformation Plan focuses on redeveloping the 265-unit Ridley Place public housing site and introduces a green corridor with walking trails, community gardens and recreational spaces. In addition to the planned high-quality mixed-income housing, infrastructure improvements to the surrounding neighborhood will improve walkability and safety.

The Choice Neighborhoods Initiative is HUD's signature place-based initiative to revitalize and transform distressed public and assisted housing and surrounding areas. The initiative is intended to help localities build neighborhoods of opportunity and choice while focusing on housing, people and neighborhood needs and opportunities. CNI Implementation Grants support those communities that have undergone a comprehensive local planning process and are ready to implement their Transformation Plan.