RALEIGH, N.C. — The face of public housing is changing in Raleigh.

Raleigh dedicated a new community, called Capitol Park, after months of building. It is the new affordable housing community near Peace College that was made possible by a $30 million federal

Hope VI

grant.

"Despite the fact that it is novel, we think soon its novelty will be overshadowed by its success," said Steve Beam of the Raleigh Housing Authority.

Capitol Park is a mix of housing for seniors,public housing and market-rate townhomes and single-family homes. It replaces Halifax Court, the crime-ridden complex the city tore down about 2 1/2 years ago.

"They were barracks-style houses, there was no green space, no personal space. The last year it was open there were 1,500 call to police," Beam said.

The housing authority has high hopes for the new community. All new residents undergo background checks to try to prevent trouble makers from getting back in.

"I'd been living at Halifax Court for a long time. I was glad to get this place," resident James High said.

Raleigh hopes to make similar changes at its Chavis Heights public housing community.

Right now, the senior apartments are fully-leased and the apartments are filling up. The townhomes and single-family homes are still under construction.