Exciting Developments on the Horizon for East Point and College Park!
East Point and College Park are buzzing with positive energy as local leaders come together to discuss significant housing developments that prioritize the needs of all community members. Recent discussions have showcased the importance of creating affordable housing options for people from various income levels in the area.
A 55-Acre Vision for the Future
One of the most anticipated projects is a sprawling 55-acre mixed-use development on Sylvan Road in East Point. This project aims to strike a harmonious balance between residential living, shopping, offices, and entertainment. The property, which has a new owner—Quark Properties—was sold for a cool $13 million just this past summer. Local leaders believe this development, once complete, will set the desired tone for future projects in the area.
The Need for Economic Inclusion
At a recent panel discussion held during the State of the Aerotropolis event, key figures like Shannon James, the president and CEO of the Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance, addressed the concept of ensuring “economic inclusion” is at the heart of housing development. College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom stressed that cities like hers, along with East Point, Hapeville, and Clayton County, need to work together thoughtfully to address affordable housing.
“You see what the Beltline has done for the city of Atlanta and how it has really galvanized redevelopment in areas that people weren’t thinking of in the past,” said Mayor Motley Broom, highlighting the impact of strategic urban planning. The $64.9 million in federal funding received by Clayton County and surrounding areas aims to connect their communities with the Beltline and develop the new Flint River Trail Network.
Addressing the Challenge of Equitable Housing
Mayor Motley Broom also emphasized the critical challenge of ensuring equity in housing. “How do we show that we are good stewards of this money? How do we show that we are thinking in the best interests of the entire community?” she pondered.
In response, East Point Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham advocated for developers to make a commitment to build mixed-income housing. “We have to demand that developers build housing options for various income levels,” she stated emphatically, pointing out that it’s crucial to safeguard long-time residents from displacement.
Community Input Matters
As the planning for the Sylvan Road project gets underway, the McDonald Development Company has pledged to involve community members in the project’s vision. Mayor Ingraham expressed her optimism for future developments, stating that South Fulton must create incentives that encourage diverse residential living options across all income levels.
“We have to get out of this mindset of extremes,” Ingraham urged, challenging the common practice where developers are permitted to build only a tiny fraction of affordable housing. Instead, she advocates for a more balanced approach to development, saying, “There’s a balance between making money and greed. We can’t allow greed to take over this process.”
A Bright Future Ahead
With the collaborative effort of mayors and community leaders, East Point and College Park are on the path to becoming leaders in affordable housing solutions. The hope is that as these projects unfold, they will provide ample opportunities for everyone to thrive in a more inclusive and welcoming community.
As the excitement builds and plans move forward, residents can look forward to watching their neighborhoods transform and foster a sense of belonging for all. East Point and College Park are set to redefine what it means to build homes with heart!
