At a ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 25, Mayor Lester Miller, District One Commissioner Valerie Wynn, and others celebrated the grand opening of a new affordable housing complex for seniors. This continues our mission of using public and grant funds, as well as working with community partners to increase the amount of available affordable housing.
Members of the Macon Housing Authority and its board, residents, Piedmont Construction Group, the Macon Water Authority, and others spoke about the partnership which brought the vision to life in District One. You can watch the ribbon-cutting event here.
Northside Village Senior Apartments features 72 units for people 62 years and older, with rent no higher than $732 per month. People who live there can enjoy a fitness room, community and wellness spaces, a community garden program, and onsite wellness checks from First Choice Primary Care and Atrium Health. The property is a $15.5 million investment in Macon-Bibb, and 100% of the units are already rented, with dozens of people on a waiting list – representing the need for places like this in our community.
“I think this is a great addition to North Macon and Northside Drive for you – our “golden citizens.” I say that because I’m one, too!” said Commissioner Wynn. “It’s a beautiful facility with access to the grocery store, a nice sidewalk, and everything you need – all within walking distance. We have to look after our seniors, and this is a great way to do that.”
“It’s good to see collaboration between public and private entities working together to provide housing and services to our residents,” said Macon Housing Authority Commissioner Jeff Battcher. “Macon is an excellent place to work, play, and eat, and in this case, retire. Increasing the housing supply here in Macon will continue to be a priority of the Macon Housing Authority.”
This senior living space is the latest in several projects and efforts to increase affordable housing spaces for people in our community. These efforts include $7.5 million in funding approved by commissioners to be matched with private funds for a $15 million revolving loan fund, American Rescue Plan (ARP) money matched with a grant from the Knight Foundation for $3.2 million to increase rental units, and ARP funds matched by the Peyton Anderson Foundation for $1 million to Habitat for Humanity to build 14 new homes and start their own revolving fund.