Atlanta Housing, Georgia’s largest housing authority, has released its Bankhead Reimagined Request for Ideas (RFI).
According to the agency, the RFI invites community members, philanthropic and nonprofit organizations, and commercial entities to share their ideas for the redevelopment of the 35-acre former Bankhead Courts public housing site in Northwest Atlanta. Originally 45 acres, Bankhead Courts was developed in 1968 and completed in 1970, offering 500 public housing units contained in the townhouse-style buildings. The site was cleared and demolished in 2011 and the northern portion of the site was disposed to Atlanta Public Schools for a bus maintenance facility which is currently under construction. The RFI covers the remaining 35-acre portion of the site.
Atlanta Housing added the information and ideas from the public will be used to shape the procurement process and the selection of a development partner for the site. Responses to the RFI must be submitted by June 7 at 5:00 p.m.
“At Atlanta Housing, we believe that true change comes from empowering the voices of our residents and the surrounding community,” said Terri M. Lee, president and CEO at Atlanta Housing. “The Bankhead Reimagined RFI reflects our commitment for greater transparency and engagement as we move forward to determine the best use of the former Bankhead Courts site. This call for ideas is not just an opportunity to brainstorm, but an essential step forward in creating the future of Bankhead and the Donald Lee Hollowell corridor.”
I think it should be used to develop affordable housing for the low income families. It’s a struggle for some to adapt to the price hike in everything but your working wages. It has left some, including myself, to have housing issues. Yes it would be nice to see some affordable housing like Bankhead Courts again. The struggle is real.