Stephanie Johnson is the person to thank for the new mail drop.

She is also to thank for assigned parking spaces and a string of open houses meant to fill four vacancies at Fairway Gardens, newly renovated Dunedin Housing Authority properties at 30 and 110 N Lady Mary Drive in Clearwater.

Johnson, 28, of Clearwater was one of the first to move into the apartments when they opened in May. She is a law student at St. Petersburg College and she was sworn in as a resident commissioner Tuesday (Nov. 15).

“She knew the lease better than we did,” Robin Adams, asset management officer, joked while explaining why Johnson will be a good fit for board.

A little crowd of four people hovered outside Fairway Gardens just before the first open house kicked off on Nov. 9.

“We’re kinda baffled why we’re not able to fill them,” Adams said. “They’re by the golf course and not far from the beaches.”

Rent for the available 750-square-foot, two-bedroom units is $675 per month, which is $250 less than the fair market value, she said. Despite being 5 miles outside the city, preference goes to Dunedin residents.

Adams said she was pleased with the turnout at the first open house. She also expressed optimism about a construction site one block west where Clearwater is constructing affordable for-sale condos and townhomes. They will list under the fair market value.

Dunedin Housing Authority is offering one month’s free rent to applicants.

If you go:

What: Affordable Apartment Open House

When: 9 a.m. to noon

Where: 110 N Lady Mary Drive