Phoenix Heights is one of Ocala’s newest development projects aimed at redeveloping and renewing the rundown Busbee Quarters, a two-block section of town in West Ocala surrounded by other residential communities. The Phoenix Heights project will assist in the neighborhood’s redevelopment through acquisition, demolition and infrastructure improvements in Busbee Quarters. It will disconnect the current negative image of the neighborhood, and aims to reconnect a sense of place to the surrounding communities.
The Busbee Quarters area of West Ocala originally served as a company-owned housing area for industrial plant workers approximately 75 years ago. It was originally established with high hopes and promise for the hard-working families that lived and worked in the community. However, over the years, the neighborhood has become dilapidated and neglected.
Now, through Ocala Phoenix Heights’ project and the West Ocala Community Revitalization Area Program, the city has reclaimed many properties there, and it has also made definitive plans for improvement and revitalization. These efforts complement the Habitat for Humanity Phoenix Rising development of nine single family homes that have already been built just north of Busbee Quarters.
The Phoenix Heights Acquisition and Redevelopment initiative includes rezoning upgrades and beautification efforts designed to promote better housing as well as commercial development.
Moving forward, the city is feeling very positive and hopeful about the proposed changes and improvements, and community members just want to ensure that plans are followed through with and that this area of town will be full of promise again. Efforts will be made to reach out to the current residents of the area for their insight and input in order to make Busbee Quarters as great as possible. Nothing but positive change is anticipated for West Ocala.
For more details and info on the Phoenix Heights project for Busbee Quarters, read the article at ocala.com.
