City of Atlanta Contributes $300,000 to New Senior Housing Project

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Staff Report

The City of Atlanta announced Tuesday that the Department of Planning and Community Development’s (DPCD) Office of Housing contributed $300,000 in federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) program funds to help complete a new, affordable apartment project for low-income senior citizens. Earlier today, the announcement was marked by a special groundbreaking ceremony on the property site in the Reynoldstown community. HOME funds are awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to state and local agencies to fund a wide range of activities including building, buying, and rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership.

“My administration is strategically meeting the needs of residents who built the foundation that our City stands on today,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “It is important that senior citizens have housing near transportation, healthcare and food centers because these resources foster independence and self-sufficiency, and promote a better quality of life. This new residence will accomplish these goals.”

Collaboration between the Office of Housing and key partners including Mercy Housing Southeast, Invest Atlanta and the Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. makes the new construction project, Reynoldstown Senior Residences, possible. Total construction costs are approximately $11.2 million.

Mercy Housing Southeast is the developer of the new Reynoldstown Senior Residences, a 70-unit independent living apartment complex that will consist of 60 one-bedroom units and 10 two-bedroom units. Senior housing is a primary focus at Mercy Housing Southeast, which supports seniors’ continued independent living with services focused on health and well-being.

“Mercy Housing has developed over 600 homes for seniors in metro Atlanta and we are proud to deliver another 70 with this development. The average income of our senior residents is between $12-19,000 a year. These service-enriched homes make it possible for our elderly neighbors to remain stable and independent in Atlanta’s vibrant neighborhoods,” said Tina Lowe, president of Mercy Housing Southeast.

In addition to the Reynoldstown Senior Residences, DPCD’s Office of Housing has provided HOME funds to complete quality, affordable senior housing projects including Betmar Village, Columbia Senior Residences and Columbia Heritage Senior Residences. Earlier this year, the Office of Housing provided $700,000 in HOME funds to start a new construction project for senior housing called City Lights.

“The City of Atlanta takes the responsibility of meeting the demand for housing needs of our older residents very seriously,” said Terri M. Lee, DPCD Deputy Commissioner. “Over the past five years we have helped to construct three new senior housing projects citywide. This new development is a testament to the City’s vision to create affordable housing choices along the Atlanta BeltLine.”

The new Reynoldstown Senior Residences is in close proximity to public transportation, a neighborhood community center and pool, public parks and the Atlanta BeltLine.