More time for White Street affordable homes wins committee backing

Two White Street lots intended for permanently affordable housing moved a step closer to getting more time: Atlanta’s Community Development/Human Services Committee unanimously recommended a $1 reconveyance on Oct. 27.⁠[1]

The proposal covers 879 and 881 White Street SW. The vote advances the deadline extension we reported before the committee meeting, but it is a recommendation—not final approval. The packet lists City Council consideration as pending for Nov. 2 at 1 p.m.⁠[1]

Councilmember Michael Julian Bond’s ordinance, 26-O-1601, would convey the city’s interest in the parcels to Metro Atlanta Land Bank for $1. According to the bill, the city previously conveyed the properties under a 2021 ordinance, with a deed requiring a certificate of occupancy within three years or title would automatically return to the city.⁠[1]

The legislation says Atlanta Land Trust, the land bank’s selected development partner, is actively developing affordable housing on the site and that new deeds are needed to extend the deadline. That is the bill’s description of the project, not confirmation that homes are ready for occupancy. The original conveyance date and whether title has already reverted remain unverified.⁠[1]

The extension would preserve the city’s take-back protection. The proposed deed would require at least one residential dwelling with a city-issued certificate of occupancy within three years of the new conveyance. That clock would run from the conveyance—not the committee vote.⁠[1]