Created: 7/29/2009 5:35:54 PM 
Columbia (WLTX) -- The Columbia Housing Authority has applied for federal stimulus money to rebuild a local housing community.
Soon they'll find out if long sought-after funds could finally materialize, taking a big chunk out of their $40 million bill.
Built in 1939, Allen Benedict Court is the third-oldest public housing project in the country. Many residents like five-year tenant Nathan Dixon say it's time to rebuild.
"The buildings are old, they lack central air, the apartments collect a lot of dust and that's a health hazard in itself," Dixon says.
He wishes the buildings were more up-to-date.
"Just to have some place to be yours to be proud of you know you wouldn't mind hanging your family name on the door you know?" Dixon explains.
Housing Authority director Gil Walker says this could be the year to redevelop.
"We think that with this round of stimulus money that's coming out now and also the round of Hope VI money that will be coming out that's due back in November that we feel as though our chances will be a lot better, there's quite a bit more money too than it's been in the past," Walker explains.
Last week, the Housing Authority applied for $10 million in stimulus funds. They have applied for federal Hope VI funds twice before, but have been denied. It will take $40 million to knock down and rebuild the housing project.
"It is our goal to try to redevelop the entire neighborhood and to actually bring this neighborhood back into the modern era," Walker says.
With Celia Saxon's renovations nearby, tenants here have been waiting for their chance at change.
"What about the tenants here what about us? You kind of feel left out kind of feel like no one cares," Dixon says.
Walker expects to hear if the money's been granted soon, by September or October.
"We're keeping our fingers crossed for the $10 million and we'll hope that this time we get approved for it and can put that plan in action," Dixon says. "The children need a place to be proud of to call home a place to grow up in."
Walker says redevelopment could also help reduce crime. One thing the city will keep an eye on is how this could effect school district lines.
