Community leaders, elected officials and the first residents gathered Wednesday in St. Petersburg to officially open Burlington Post II, a new senior affordable‑housing development at 3295 Burlington Ave N. The five‑story building offers 75 units for seniors whose incomes range from 22 % to 80 % of the Area Median Income.
Local partnership makes the project possible
Green Mills Group founders Oscar Sol and Mitch Rosenstein explained that the project has been a decade‑long effort. The site was once a post‑office parking lot; the ground lease was signed 11 years ago, but securing funding for affordable housing is highly competitive. “It takes a lot of time to get funding approved,” Sol said.
The city and county stepped in with local dollars, allowing the developers to avoid relying solely on state‑level competitive allocations. St. Petersburg contributed roughly $5.8 million, while Pinellas County added $3.75 million. The Pinellas County Housing Finance Authority issued $16 million in tax‑exempt housing revenue bonds, among other sources.
Design focused on dignity and safety
Rosenstein noted the development’s challenges, describing the financing structure as “a rather tight sight” that required close coordination with the city to ensure feasibility. The final product includes a fitness center, community outdoor space, a game room and 24/7 security, providing seniors with amenities that support an active, safe lifestyle.
“This is our third community in St. Pete and our fifth in the region,” Rosenstein added, emphasizing that more projects are planned.
Elected officials praise the impact
St. Petersburg City Council Chair Lisset Hanewicz highlighted the growing difficulty older adults face in finding safe, affordable homes across the Bay Area and the nation. “Developments like this matter to our community. It’s an opportunity for seniors to live with dignity, stay connected, and enjoy the quality of life they’ve earned,” she said.
Pinellas County Commissioner René Flowers echoed that sentiment, noting the relief of not having to choose between medication, food and rent. “That’s what this project does,” he said.
Residents share gratitude
Robyn Bryan, a new resident of Burlington Post II, expressed gratitude for the timing of the development. “I’m so grateful for the affordable housing because it just came at the perfect time. I get to stay in the community and I’m very happy about that,” she said.
Continuing the affordable‑housing effort
The adjacent Burlington Post I opened its doors in 2018, demonstrating a successful model for senior housing in the area. With local government backing and private‑sector expertise, Burlington Post II adds to St. Petersburg’s growing portfolio of affordable‑housing options, reinforcing the city’s commitment to caring for its aging residents.
As the project moves forward, Green Mills Group plans to pursue additional developments that address the region’s need for affordable, workforce‑focused housing, ensuring that more families and seniors can enjoy safe, dignified homes without undue financial strain.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
