Redevelopment in the Works for Macon Neighborhood

City council voted to move forward with plans to breathe new life into the former Macon Homes area, near Bartlett Crossing.

The city expects to receive about $4.1 million from the state's Department of Community Affairs for Neighborhood Stabilization Programs.

The Economic and Community Development Department plan the use $1.5 million of that to demolish the abandoned property in the former Macon Homes area off Napier Avenue.

Right now, it's around 20 acres of about 40 run-down, empty units.

In-fill Housing, the developer for the project, hopes to turn it into 80 to 90 single family rental home units, and re-open and connect the streets in the area.

The project is estimated at $15 million.

For the first time, the city will act as the redevelopment agent on the project.

Community Resources and Development Chairman Larry Schlesinger says it's something that needs to be done.

Schlesinger says on the current property, there's nothing but shells of former apartment buildings with broken windows, and it's just a breeding ground for trouble.

He says this project would completely transform that neighborhood.

The plan must be approved before May 21st.

That's the application deadline to get low-income tax credit from the Department of Community Affairs.

Before that time, the city must have a public hearing to get opinions and concerns about the development.

Schlesinger says he hopes to hold that meeting in about two weeks, then council will have to approve the final proposal.