It used to be one of Easton's toughest neighborhoods. Now, it could be one of the toughest neighborhoods to get into.

The Easton Housing Authority on Monday dedicated Neston Heights on the spot where Delaware Terrace used to be.

Richard Bright used to live in Delaware Terrace, but after the city tore down the public housing project in May 2009, Bright was the first to move into Neston Heights.

"It's a lot cleaner, safe environment," said Bright.

"When Delaware Terrace was here, it really became housing of last resort," Gene Pamnianchi, director of the Easton Housing Authority. "With this transformation, we are really seeing this is housing of first choice."

Delaware Terrace used to house 250 units. Neston Heights will have only 144.

The $47 million Hope 6 project will unfold in three phases. The first, a group of rental units, is complete.

Phase two, construction of senior cottages, is now underway. Phase three will focus on homes for sale.

"Mixing the rental and hope ownership in their basically being indistinguishable as you drive through the community and allows us to be more like a neighborhood," said development officer Kyle Speece.

That's exactly the point of the project, turning what once was a troubled neighborhood into a place where people can't wait to move in.

"This is truly a transformation and an asset to the city of Easton," said Alfredean Jones.

Jones and William Houston said they are glad to see Neston Heights bring the area back to the community they once knew, a community that now bears the names of two of Easton's greatest educators.

"My grandchildren reminded me that this will be here as long as the city is here. That's awesome," said William Houston.

The Easton Housing Authority hopes to have all three phases complete by 2012.