Group aims to revitalize post-WWII subdivision in Jackson

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A nonprofit group is working to revitalize a Mississippi subdivision built in the 1950s for veterans who had returned from World War II.

Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area is starting a five-year project to improve 100 houses in the Broadmoor neighborhood of north Jackson. The first two rehabilitated houses were dedicated Thursday.

The group’s executive director, Merrill McKewen, says the goal is to get houses back into good shape for first-time homebuyers. If a house cannot be repaired, it will be demolished through the city’s blight elimination program.

Streets in Broadmoor are named after major campaigns and people associated with World War II.

The neighborhood had high rates of foreclosure after the housing crash of 2008. McKewen says several groups have agreed to work on the project.