Demolition to begin on run-down, dilapidated apartment complex in Sanford

SANFORD, Fla.

The city of Sanford celebrated on Monday a new beginning marked by the demolition of the Redding Gardens apartment complex.

Over 100 units were deemed unlivable in 2010 and the Sanford Housing Authority found itself buried in millions of dollars in debt with no way to keep up the development and five others.

"We've got to get this taken care of. We've got to get this eyesore out of our community," said Mayor Jeff Triplett.

In 2010, the Orlando Housing Authority took control of HUD properties in Sanford, but it was too late to repair or refurbish them, so hundreds of resident were forced to relocate.

The units were crime-ridden, dilapidated and infested with dangerous mold, officials said.

Three years later $2.3 million in debt has been paid, and the city said it is ready for a new start marked by the pending demolition of Redding Gardens. City leaders now look to the future they say they'll be proud to pass to their children

"There used to be a real dump here, now look at it. And it was because of wise people that all worked together," Commissioner Mark McCarty said.

The 100 units deemed unlivable are going to go first, but there are five other properties and another 380 units that will be bulldozed next.

Now, the demolition is finally underway, and the destruction will mark a re-start of the Sanford Housing Authority.

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Demolition to begin on run-down, dilapidated apartment complex in Sanford