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New Housing Project Will Revitalize Riot-Torn Community

BALTIMORE (WJZ) --A new housing project will revitalize a community at the epicenter of the April's riots and help to build a brighter future for the City of Baltimore.

Tracey Leong explains.

This is the second and final phase of the affordable housing complex, providing more than 150 homes to families in need.

The Penn-North community is on the road to recovery. A $16 million apartment complex opening up is a vital part of that process.

Last April, this neighborhood was rocked by violence. Chaos unfolded following the death of Freddie Gray.

"This is a great day for our community. We're always excited to see positive changes coming to our neighborhood," said Annie Hall, Penn-North Community Association.

Developed by the Woda Group, this is just one of many projects that will help transform Baltimore.

"We are proud to be a part of this rebirth and our work is not done," said Woda Group vice president Kevin Bell.

The new housing complex is just a block up from where the new CVS is being built. It was burned down during April's unrest.

This final phase adds 61 units to the existing 91 that went up in 2011, giving 152 families an affordable housing option on the 2600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue.

"I continue to support what Woda does and a way for people to stay in Baltimore, people to move to Baltimore so we can have the city that we know we are destined to have," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

City leaders are looking forward to the impact this housing complex will have on Baltimore and creating a better future for generations to come.

"We want them to come back---that's some of the people, the mayor and Mosby---we want them to come back so we got to do those things like this," said Congressman Elijah Cummings.

Families who make 60% or below Baltimore City's median income qualify to live in the complex. The complex is fully occupied.

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