#USA #Atlanta #Atlanta Beltline #Housing Development #Westside Trail

Atlanta Beltline, Inc. Seeks Housing Developer Services

Atlanta Beltline, Inc. (ABI) is taking a remarkable step towards affordable housing by issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a pivotal development in Atlanta's Bankhead/Historic Westin Heights neighborhood. The project, strategically located adjacent to the Atlanta Beltline Westside Trail - Segment 4, aims to create affordable, single-family housing to benefit the community.

The targeted site on 425 Chappell Road is set to be transformed from a long-vacant area into a lively, green, and accessible neighborhood. This development will not only provide affordable housing but also enhance economic opportunities and connectivity within the community. This initial phase will kickstart the project's vision, which spans over ten blocks.

The first phase focuses on blocks 1-5, with planned road access from Chappell Road and North Avenue. The design prioritizes lower-density, smaller-scale multifamily units, creating a seamless integration with the existing single-family homes in the neighborhood. Moreover, pedestrian-oriented commercial spaces will serve both current and future residents, ensuring the development is ingrained in the community's fabric.

The conceptual plan for the 425 Chappell Road site envisions the construction of up to 150 new homes along with nearly 5,000 square feet of commercial space tailored for local small businesses. An essential highlight of the project is the planned Beltline spur trail, which will connect the development with the Westside Trail and broader transit network, bolstering access and connectivity for residents.

Dennis Richards, the Vice President of Housing Policy and Development at ABI, commented, “The development of 425 Chappell Road helps realize the Beltline's long-term strategy of strategic site acquisition as a means to deliver affordable and attainable housing options and affordable commercial spaces for our local small businesses.” He emphasized that this project is crucial for providing equitable access to essential resources such as homes, greenspaces, and transportation options, fostering an inclusive environment where all Atlantans can live, work, and thrive.

Acquired in 2021, the Chappell Road site comprises 31 acres of land, marking the largest acquisition in Beltline history. Its proximity to additional city-owned land creates opportunities for further development, reinforcing the project’s impact on the surrounding area.

Engagement with the community has been paramount to the site’s development. This involved thorough public meetings, outreach initiatives, and collaboration with various neighborhood associations, ensuring all voices were heard in shaping the future of the site. Additionally, the development has already received entitlements, including approval from the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Development of Regional Impact program, solidifying its regulatory foundation. The site's zoning as PD-MU (Planned Development – Mixed Use) aligns perfectly with the project goals.

Located approximately half a mile from the Bankhead MARTA station and near the under-construction Westside Trail – Segment 4, the Chappell Road development strategically enhances accessibility.) The Beltline has already achieved 74% of its objective to develop or preserve 5,600 affordable housing units by 2030 within the Beltline Tax Allocation District (TAD). This is a significant milestone in Mayor Andre Dickens' broader plan to create or preserve 20,000 affordable housing units in Atlanta by 2030.

To support this ambitious goal, the Beltline works with a consortium of partners, including Invest Atlanta, Atlanta Housing, and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, to ensure comprehensive planning and diversified funding for affordable housing development.

For developers interested in participating in this venture, ABI encourages registration on the Beltline's procurement management website for access to the RFP and related documentation. Additional information about the 425 Chappell Road development, including specific project details, can be found on the Beltline’s official site.

This initiative is not just about infrastructure; it represents a commitment to creating a more equitable and connected Atlanta, paving the way for sustainable development that meets the needs of its diverse population.