ATLANTA — A new housing development along the Atlanta BeltLine is moving closer to reality, with plans to bring affordable homes and rental properties to Atlanta’s Bankhead community. The 31-acre project, which includes five acres purchased by the city and 26 additional acres in the surrounding area, aims to address affordable housing concerns and revitalize the neighborhood.
Atlanta City Councilman Byron Amos said the site, located along Chappell Road, was purchased by the city three years ago. Originally the site of a run-down apartment complex, the property has since been vacant and awaiting redevelopment plans shaped by community input.
“Community input has been key,” Amos said. “With this type of reinvestment, we can bring businesses and residents back to my part of the district.”
The development will include a mix of single-family homes, townhomes and rental properties, along with neighborhood-level commercial spaces. Dennis Richards, vice president of housing policy for the Atlanta BeltLine, emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive space.
“The BeltLine is a place for everyone,” Richards said. “We need to make sure that the developments we curate are inclusive of the community.”
Affordable Housing at the core
A significant portion of the project will focus on affordability. Richards explained that home prices and rents will be determined based on the area’s median income.
“It’ll be affordable to families earning 80% to 120% of area median income, and for rentals, it’ll be affordable to families earning 50% to 80% of the area median income,” Richards said.
In addition to housing, the project will connect residents to green spaces via an extension of the BeltLine trail and encourage the return of small businesses to the area.
Timeline for Development
While no specific groundbreaking date has been announced, Richards said his office plans to begin accepting bids from developers early next year, with hopes to start construction by fall 2025.
“This is about building opportunity,” Amos said. “It’s about ensuring the BeltLine is a resource for the entire community.”