FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

BLT is not a developer, though we will be working with developers to promote the construction of housing that is inclusive, accessible and facilitates interaction among its residents.
We recognize there is an acute need throughout Georgia for inclusive and accessible housing that intentionally includes people experiencing disability. While we will assist groups that seek to build inclusive communities in other parts of Georgia, BLT is currently focused on creating housing in the greater Atlanta Metro area.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, BLT focused on a site located in the northern part of Legacy Park that has been designated for a small affordable neighborhood by the City of Decatur. Legacy Park is a 77-acre parcel of land, located at 500 S. Columbia Drive, that was formerly the site of the United Methodist Children’s Home. Unfortunately, development of the “North Village” site at Legacy Park has not progressed since the pandemic. While other projects at Legacy Park have moved forward, proposals for development of the North Village will not be considered until at least 2025. We are currently exploring other opportunities throughout the metro area, with a focus on “in-town” properties that are in walkable areas and close to amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, other retailers, employment opportunities and transportation. If you know of properties that fit that description and might be obtainable at a reasonable price, we would love to hear from you.
The physical layout could take many forms, depending on the property and location. At Legacy Park, we had planned to build 24-28 cottage-style homes in a “pocket neighborhood” format, including single-family units, duplexes, and triplexes. In a more urban setting, like a downtown location, we envision a single multi-story structure that could include anywhere from 25 to 100 units. The housing could be new construction or an adaptive reuse of an existing structure. Whatever the particular layout, the housing would be designed to encourage social interaction among residents and would adhere to design standards that ensure accessibility for people of all abilities.
We are open to varying ownership models. The mix of rentals and owner-occupied units will depend on available funding sources and zoning restrictions. At Legacy Park, we had planned to build homes for purchase, with owners having the option to rent out rooms or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to housemates or caregivers. For projects that utilize government funding, such as low-housing tax credits or HUD 811 funds, the units would likely all be rentals.
We plan to serve households with a range of incomes, including moderate-income households earning 80-120% of the area’s median income (AMI) and low-income households earning less than 80% of AMI. In 2023, the Atlanta MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) median income used by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to determine eligibility for subsidized housing was $103,500 for a four-person household. The low-income (80% AMI) threshold was $57,200 for an individual and $81,650 for a family of four. The extent to which we can serve individuals below this 80% AMI threshold, including those in the very-low income range (50% AMI and below) will depend on the extent of public and private subsidies for construction and/or availability of rent subsidies to tenants, such as project-based rental assistance or housing choice vouchers.
The design will intentionally help support a sense of community by having both community gathering spaces as well as areas for more informal interactions among residents, like open seating areas and porches or benches outside. The physical layout will also be designed to promote organic interactions where residents pass by one another in their daily activities. Individual units will be designed in a way that is physically accessible to all or that can be easily modified to accommodate the needs of people with physical challenges.
We aim to create communities that are intentionally diverse. Not only will they serve people with a wide range of incomes, they will be multi-generational and include people with and without disabilities. We plan to set aside about one-quarter of the units for people with disabilities and roughly another quarter for seniors. Within the limits of fair housing laws, we will also encourage applications from people who have a strong desire to be connected to their community and want more than just a roof over their heads. Another important characteristic that distinguishes the developments we will help build is conscious efforts to promote connections with neighbors. Whenever possible, we plan to staff developments with one or more “inclusion concierges.“ The inclusion concierge concept was developed by The Kelsey. The inclusion concierges will be an integral part of their housing developments in California. The concierges organize programming for residents, support community within the development, and build bridges to people and organizations in the surrounding area. They also help connect residents with disabilities to essential services and other needs in the broader neighborhood.
While inclusion concierges will be available to help residents connect and navigate the broader community, each resident is responsible for their personal needs. This includes transportation to work and doctor’s appointments, shopping, cooking, and personal care. Individuals with disabilities who need assistance will bring their own supports. For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), this means they must have a Medicaid waiver that provides funding for support services.
We anticipate that a separate property management firm will oversee the management and upkeep of rental units and community structures. Of course, maintenance of any owner-occupied units will be the responsibility of the homeowner. If an ownership model is employed, there would also need to be a Homeowners Association for exterior maintenance and property upkeep.

The intentionally inclusive communities we propose are not currently part of the housing landscape in Georgia. However, similar projects that include elements of our approach are planned or have been built throughout the country.

Main Street is an inclusive community in Rockville MD that opened its doors in July 2020. It consists of 70 apartment rental units with 25 percent of the units designed and designated for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The first floor of the multi-story structure houses a 10,000 sq. ft. community center. “The Development of Main Street: Ideas for Those Who Want to Start an Inclusive Housing Community” is an excellent hour-length webinar that takes the viewer from the initial step of refining the concept of Main Street in Maryland to realizing the vision.

The North Street Neighborhood in Durham NC consists of 16 quadraplexes that were renovated and re-configured in a variety of ways, including duplexes, single-family homes, and apartments, resulting in a mix of owner-occupied and rental units. While many of the buildings are occupied by people with disabilities and their families, people without disabilities live there as well. There is no formal community association, though many residents are affiliated with a faith-based organization called Reality Ministries.

The Kelsey Ayer Station is mixed-income housing development located near downtown San Jose, CA that includes individuals with and without disabilities. It consists of 115 rental units, including 2-bedroom and studio apartments. There is also roughly 8,000 square feet of community spaces and lounges on each floor. It is set to open late spring of 2024.

Another project, one that is ownership-based, is Cathedral Park Cohousing in Portland, OR. The development will be a multi-story complex containing 28 owner-occupied housing units with some units set aside as affordable/ subsidized housing. The development will operate as a self-governing co-housing community. Residents will span a wide range of ages and include people with and without disabilities. Construction at their Cathedral Park location is slated to begin in 2024.