The formerly troubled Leisure Lane and Van Doren Avenue neighborhood in New Port Richey has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Once plagued by drugs, prostitution, and dilapidated mobile homes that were unfit for habitation, the area known as Town and Country Villas is now a safer community where residents feel comfortable walking again. Habitat for Humanity played a pivotal role in this redevelopment by purchasing properties, demolishing old structures, and constructing new homes to replace the deteriorating housing stock. The cleanup effort was supported by collaboration between Pasco County and the city of New Port Richey, which agreed to work together on infrastructure improvements including water systems, sidewalks, streetlights, and a new park. Former residents who once feared walking these streets now report feeling much safer, with drug activity and homelessness completely eliminated from the area.
Key Points:
- The area officially known as Town and Country Villas was once plagued by drugs, prostitution, and homes that were not fit for habitation.
