Mechanicsville residents protest homeless housing initiative

Mechanicsville residents are deeply concerned and frustrated by the city’s recent decision to launch a 100-unit homeless initiative within their community. This initiative, aimed at tackling homelessness, has caused significant discontent among residents who feel their voices have been ignored. The City of Atlanta exchanged land with Atlanta Public Schools at 405 Cooper Street in Mechanicsville for land in the Old Fourth Ward for this project. The bill will be introduced today, May 29, 2024, in the Finance Committee Room, at 1:30 p.m.

The introduction of the 100-unit homeless housing project has raised several valid concerns among community members. Although the importance of combating homelessness is recognized, the choice of location of these units is controversial. 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 center of the Dunbar district. They believe 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 housing. The community is urging the city and mayor to distribute these initiatives more equitably across Atlanta.

The influx of homeless people has led to incidents of harassment, with residents reporting people trying to gain access to their homes. Some feel the city has failed to consider 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 neglected.