Mechanicsville residents oppose homeless housing initiative, cite lack of consultation and safety concerns

Residents of Mechanicsville are deeply concerned and frustrated by the city’s recent decision to introduce a 100-unit homeless housing initiative within their community. This initiative, aimed at addressing homelessness, has sparked significant discontent among residents who feel their voices have been ignored. The City of Atlanta has swapped land with Atlanta Public Schools at 405 Cooper Street in Mechanicsville for land in the Old Fourth Ward for this project. The legislation is being presented today, May 29, 2024, in the finance committee room at 1:30 pm.

The introduction of the 100-unit homeless housing project has raised several valid concerns among community members. While the importance of addressing homelessness is acknowledged, the chosen location for these units is contentious. Residents are troubled by the proximity of these homes to residential areas, Dunbar Elementary School, Rosa Burney Park, Sheltering Arms Child Day Care, and a significant number of registered sex offenders within a one-mile radius of the Dunbar neighborhood center. They believe that the city’s decision, made without proper consultation or transparency, neglects their well-being. Mechanicsville already has at least 50% of its housing designated as affordable, including public voucher housing. The community is urging the city and the mayor to distribute such initiatives more evenly across Atlanta.

The influx of homeless individuals has led to harassment incidents, with residents reporting that people have attempted to gain access to their homes. There is a perception that the city has disregarded the safety and stability of the Mechanicsville community. The Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) process, established by the city of Atlanta to ensure shared visions, mutual respect, transparency, communication, and shared decision-making, appears to have been overlooked.