A Step Forward for Housing Access in Clayton County
RIVERDALE, GA — A soft breeze moved through the tall grass Monday morning as city officials, developers, and residents gathered with golden shovels in hand. Behind them stood the sign: “Future Site of Garden Walk Commons.”
With applause and a few words from the mayor, the groundbreaking for Clayton County’s newest affordable housing project officially began — marking what city leaders hope will be a turning point for families seeking stability in Riverdale.
“This project represents not just homes, but hope,” said Riverdale Mayor Evelyn Wynn-Dixon during Monday’s groundbreaking ceremony. “Our families, seniors, and working individuals deserve dignified, stable housing right here in the community they serve.”
Project Details: Timeline, Design & Funding
The Garden Walk Commons project is expected to be completed in three phases, with full occupancy slated for Fall 2026. According to Riverdale’s planning department:
- Units: 68 total (1–3 bedroom options)
- Rent model: Income-based, with eligibility set at 60% of Area Median Income (AMI)
- Accessibility: 100% ADA-compliant, 10% fully wheelchair-accessible
- Community amenities: On-site childcare room, security gate, and green space
- Developer: South Metro Housing Partners in coordination with Georgia Department of Community Affairs
- Funding source: $12M total, combining federal HOME grants, state housing tax credits, and City of Riverdale capital
“We’re not just building walls, we’re investing in lives,” said Christopher Elkins, executive director of South Metro Housing Partners.
Why Riverdale? A City Under Pressure
Clayton County has seen a sharp rise in housing need over the past five years. According to 2023 census estimates:
- 43% of renters are cost-burdened (spending 30%+ of income on rent)
- Median household income in Riverdale is $43,100, below state average
- Vacancy rates are under 4.5%, and affordable units are often waitlisted for months
The problem is most acute for seniors, single mothers, and young workers who earn too much to qualify for public housing but too little for market-rate rent.
“I’ve worked in Clayton schools for 18 years,” said local resident Tina McCall, “but my rent went up by $300 this year. If I had a kid still at home, I couldn’t afford to stay.”
What Makes This Development Different?
Unlike many mixed-income housing projects that prioritize retail or short-term leasing, Garden Walk Commons is being designed as a community-first site:
- All units reserved for income-qualified residents
- Long-term rental terms (not month-to-month or corporate leasing)
- Community room with after-school program space
- Partnership with Clayton County Health Department for on-site health checks every quarter
Developers say this ensures the complex serves Riverdale residents first, rather than investors or short-term tenants.
Location Benefits
The site is being hailed for its smart location — near job centers, schools, and public transit access:
- 1 mile from Riverdale High School
- 3 blocks from a MARTA bus hub
- Walking distance to grocery stores, clinics, and parks
- No major road widening or displacement required
This avoids issues faced by previous projects where residents were pushed out of existing housing for construction.
Community Response: Hope with Caution
The initial announcement received strong support at public forums, but some long-time homeowners have raised questions about property values and traffic congestion.
City Council Member Latasha Boyd addressed this directly:
“We’ve seen what happens when we do nothing — families leave. This project is being done right, with infrastructure improvements built in and tenant screening protocols.”
Riverdale Police Chief also confirmed that an officer liaison program will be piloted in the area to ensure security coordination as occupancy begins.
Want to Apply or Learn More?
For residents like Tina McCall, a longtime local who works full-time in Clayton schools, this isn’t just housing — it’s hope.
“It tells me I can stay here. That I belong here,” she said.
Pre-applications are expected to open by March 2026, pending HUD compliance. To stay informed or ask questions, contact us directly at:
📩 [email protected]
