Atlanta greenlights 20k affordable housing units in northwest Atlanta neighborhood

Justin Carter, WSB-TV
·2 min read
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Atlanta is working hard to put a dent in the housing shortage.

Channel 2′s Justin Carter spoke with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens about the new complex that’s pumping new life into the Grove Park neighborhood.

The neighborhood includes a section of northwest Atlanta that has seen a decline in property conditions and its economy.

But that’s changing, with the addition of this new mixed-use residential property along West Lake Avenue. Rent starts at around $695 a month for tenants and fluctuates based on family income.

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Dickens said that Grove Park has been on his radar.

“This one, we thought about it, we acted on it. We moved in a way that was purposeful. And, here we are standing on the grounds of this beautiful facility,” Dickens said.

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Grove Park Foundation Executive Director Gavin McGuire said, “we’re part of the one Atlanta plan with the mayor that will have 20,000 housing units over the next seven to eight years.”

McGuire explained to Carter that the pricing breakdown is based on household size and income.

“With affordability, we’re making sure that it’s not 30-40% above someone’s income,” McGuire said.

One of the property’s newest residents, Denise Charles said she was denied approval for a house due to her credit score. She just moved into a three-bedroom here in April.

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“There’s a lot of factors, and a lot of reasons you can be denied so this was a breath of fresh air in allowing us to move over here,” Charles said.

Dickens told Carter that the complex drives home the fact that there is a great need for adequate affordable housing in a tough market.

“Today, I am happy to say that the Grove Park community is back. It’s thriving and it’s good to see it happen,” Dickens said.

The mayor said that with this new housing comes partnerships with the YMCA to bring new facilities to this area, as well as A+ city schools.

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