What are your ideas about how the commission should address the twin issues of blighted residential areas and a lack of affordable housing?

Rome’s land bank has recently been activated, and many communities successfully use this mechanism to return blighted properties to productive uses. I will continue to support those in our community who are working to grow our affordable housing stock, making wise investments which produce financial and community benefits.

Blighted property is high on the radar for all Rome officials. Many of these properties are owned by people outside our community. We have city staff working through a Neighborhood Enhancement Program to improve targeted neighborhoods. In my opinion, Rome has increased affordable housing notably over the last several years.

While a member of the South Rome Redevelopment Corporation I saw the beginning of construction on approximately 88 new units of mixed income and affordable housing: apartments, duplexes and single family homes. Many of the methods used could be borrowed or duplicated to redevelop other areas of the city.

Having served on the community development committee for many years, I can say the city has been addressing the issues already in many ways. Wilson Avenue affordable homes, Laurel Street residential housing, a very active code enforcement department, NEP initiatives and a supportive environmental court process are all involved.

Sandra Hudson and the Northwest Georgia Housing Authority have done a wonderful job working to find solutions to this problem. Through involvement with residents, we can all work together to broaden these ideas throughout our community and create a better way of life for every family in Rome.

I would like to see us using tax incentives to improve blighted neighborhoods and repair dilapidated properties. Chattanooga has had good success with tax credits for young families willing to do the work of renovating homes. I am encouraged by the projects in South Rome that encourage ownership among families that might otherwise struggle.