Exciting Changes on Atlanta’s Westside: Community Builders Program Takes Big Steps
Atlanta is buzzing with excitement as the Invest Atlanta Board of Directors gives the green light for a significant redevelopment project in the Westside community. On November 21, they approved a stunning $260,000 in grant funding for Tracy Bates, a dedicated local leader and longtime resident of English Avenue, to transform her property into vibrant new homes.
A Groundbreaking Project
This project is particularly special—it’s the largest Community Builders initiative since its inception in 2017. Bates has set her sights on a six-unit building located at 471 English Ave, and come March 2025, the construction will kick off, marking a new chapter for her neighborhood.
Each of the six units is designed with the community in mind. Five of them will be available at 50 percent or below the area median income, keeping housing affordable for those who need it most. Here’s a quick breakdown of the plans: one two-bedroom unit will be offered at $1,210 for a spacious 700 square feet, while four cozy one-bedroom units will go for $1,008 each, covering 350 square feet. The best part? These rates will stay in place for 15 years! Plus, one unit will be presented at an unrestricted rate, providing even more options for residents.
A Community-Centric Vision
In addressing the community’s dire needs, Invest Atlanta’s Senior Vice President of Community Development, Phil Perkins, praised the project as a resounding “success story.” Bates herself expressed heartfelt thanks, saying, “I appreciate the support of everyone on this team. I’m glad to still be here standing so many years later.”
Revitalizing Historic Neighborhoods
The Community Builders program is ardently focused on rejuvenating neighborhoods like English Avenue, Vine City, and Castleberry Hill—areas that have seen better days. Once a thriving hub for Atlanta’s middle-class Black communities, English Avenue fell into disrepair over the years. By 2018, two-thirds of the population had vanished, leaving behind empty, run-down properties.
But there’s hope! Organizations like the Westside Future Fund and Invest Atlanta are stepping in to breathe new life into these historical areas. Eloisa Klementich, the program’s President and CEO, says their goal is to ensure that development happens “with residents, not to them.”
An Educational Journey
To enrich the knowledge base of potential community leaders, the program kicked off with a six-month “development boot camp.” This initiative equips participants with valuable skills and insights to help them navigate the complexities of community development. Bates received $12,000 in pre-development grants to help with her significant project, which is part of a larger funding strategy that includes $400,000 in construction debt.
The Bigger Picture
As this project progresses, it’s essential to remember that it’s part of a much larger plan facilitated by the Westside Tax Allocation District (TAD) established in 1992. This initiative aims to offer financial incentives for the revitalization of neglected neighborhoods.
Jennifer Fine, Vice President of Planning and Strategic Initiatives, explained, “We created the program to help people who didn’t have experience.” It’s a legacy initiative that not only aims to create affordable housing but also promotes wealth generation within the community.
Looking Forward
As the Westside awaits the arrival of these new homes, the community feels energized and inspired. It’s remarkable to see a program guide local residents like Tracy Bates to achieve their dreams and contribute positively to their neighborhoods. In the words of Klementich, “It is exciting for us now to see that someone went through the program and now has been able to build their capital stack to actually be here today.”
With so many changes on the horizon, residents and supporters of the Westside community have every reason to celebrate as they look forward to a brighter, more affordable future!
