Members of the City of Atlantic’s Community Development Committee received a proposal for consideration, for a Housing Rehab Project from non-profit Shift ATL founders Jessie Shiels and Alexis Fleener, during their meeting Wednesday evening.

Alexis Fleener (Center) & Jessie Shiels (right) speak with the Atlantic CDC

The organization purchased the former Downtowner Restaurant building on 4th Street, with hopes of converting into office space on the lower floor and an apartment or BNB-type living area, on the top floor. They recently demolished some of the building’s interior in preparation for renovation.

During their meeting with the CDC, Alexis Fleener said the Downtowner was purchased as just the first step in furthering community development, involvement and economic development.  She said in speaking with City Administrator John Lund, Mayor Dave Jones and Councilman Pat McCurdy, “it was brought-up that the City may have some funds available to put towards housing, but we didn’t know how to move forward or approach that.” City Administrator John Lund said there is $36,000 in LMI (Low-to Moderate Income Housing) money that may used as seed money, along with $55,000 from the sale of the Senior Center that could be used for the pilot project. He said in all, there is more than $20,000 and less than $100,000 that might be available.

She said their are other, similar organizations across the State that are addressing housing, economic and retail development. Shift ATL aspires to model itself after those models in establishing a housing rehab project for their growing organization and its partners to become involved with. The rehab project would focus on older housing stock available for sale.

Shiels said housing stock for young professionals looking to make Atlantic their home is in short supply, especially in the $100,000 to $150,000 range (dual-income family), which realtors have told her they would have a list of 10 potential owners ready to jump on a home in that price range. The organization hopes the City will be willing to chip-in with the seed money.

Shift-ATL is working with T-S Bank for the financing of a low-interest loan to purchase the house plus construction cost. You can learn more about Shift ATL during a block party/fundraiser planned for October 26th on 4th Street, between Chestnut and Walnut. There will be a band, food truck, beer garden and more. Expect further details in the weeks ahead.