Two South Tampa developers have their eyes on redeveloping parts of East Tampa.

Scott and Heidi Shimberg own Hyde Park Builders. They are building three-bedroom homes on 70 empty lots around East Tampa and Ybor City.

"As we say, it's location, location, location," Scott said.

The Shimbergs said the area is a prime location because it's minutes away from downtown. Tampa's downtown is in the midst of a major facelift.

"We know there's going to be a need for a lot of new workforce coming into that area with all the development happening, so we think that's going to be a new opportunity as well," Heidi said.

The single family homes will cost about $150,000.

Developers hope to start building a few of the homes in the next three weeks. 

"That's a blessing," said Deborah Nealy, who owns Boneyard BBQ and Mullet in East Tampa.

Nealy drives 45 minutes to work each day. She said the new affordable housing project could give her a new option.

"If there was affordable housing in the area where I worked, I would be more than glad to try to snatch it up," Nealy said.