DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County leaders and MARTA executives broke ground at the site of a development that will have affordable housing and easy access to public transportation.
The project is a partnership between MARTA, which owns the land, and DeKalb County. It's located along Kensington Road.
“The DeKalb Housing authority bringing them together, the county helped with zoning to make sure we can have a mixed-use, so that’s the type of partnership we need,” DeKalb County commissioner Larry Johnson.
The pledge by MARTA and the county is to make 100% of the housing affordable. That will be around 260 units for seniors and working families. MARTA GM and CEO Collie Greenwood said the focus is on addressing the community’s needs.
“A third of the people in DeKalb County spend 30% of their income on housing, and transportation is the second largest burden on household income," Greenwood said. "So, if we can take care of both of those things in one tandem effort, then it’s a beautiful day."
This development will also house the new headquarters for the Housing Authority of DeKalb County. Amenities will include soccer fields and a weekly farmers market. All of the units will be directly next door to the Kensington MARTA station.
"It’s progress and it’s hope and it’s the future for people who work hard and deserve to get the most for their dollar,” said Greenwood.
The housing is set to fully open in 2028, and residents will apply through the county housing authority.
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