Getting really tired of the broken promises, promises…
In 2009, the last family left Herndon Homes on Northside Drive. The deal was simple: rebuild the land, let displaced residents come back.
This month, that rebuild hit its second delivery. 201 apartments at Herndon Square Phase II, most reserved for households between 30- 80% AMI, plus a wellness clinic and courtyard. Add the 97 senior units from 2021, and 178 more on the way in 2027, and Pennrose, Capstone, Hunt, and Oakwood have kept pace with the timeline they set at groundbreaking in 2024.
One piece hasn't moved. Back in 2017, when this plan first went to the neighborhood, the grocery store came before any of the apartments. Residents fought for that zoning specifically. Nine years later, the 30,000-square-foot lot meant to hold it still doesn't have a date.
📸- Thriven Design
#HerndonHomes #HerndonSquare #EnglishAvenue #AtlantaHousing #ATLVibesAndViews
Having followed the redevelopment of Herndon Homes closely, I can share some thoughts about the community impact and what this long process means for residents. When the last family left Herndon Homes back in 2009, the promise from developers and the city was clear: the land would be rebuilt with improved housing options, and displaced residents would have the opportunity to return. Over the past years, especially with recent deliveries like the 201 apartments in Herndon Square Phase II, there has certainly been tangible progress in affordable housing, targeting households earning between 30-80% of Area Median Income (AMI). The addition of wellness clinics and courtyards also reflects a focus on community health and quality of life. However, one aspect that has caused frustration is the long-overdue grocery store originally promised in 2017. Residents fought hard for this zoning to ensure convenient access to fresh food right in their neighborhood. Nearly ten years later, the 30,000-square-foot lot remains undeveloped, with no confirmed timeline for construction. As someone who has witnessed similar redevelopment projects, this delay highlights the complex challenges of urban renewal—balancing financing, zoning, and community demands. Access to affordable housing alone doesn't complete the picture; having essential services like grocery stores is crucial to a neighborhood's sustainability. Food deserts disproportionately affect lower-income communities, making such promised stores vital for residents’ daily lives. The stalled grocery store parcel underscores the need for continued community advocacy and transparent communication from developers and local government. From a personal perspective, watching this progress mixed with unfulfilled promises is a reminder that redevelopment is not solely about building infrastructure but about rebuilding trust and community resilience. For families returning to Herndon Homes or seeking renewal in the area, the delivery of promised amenities is just as important as the physical apartments. If the grocery store can finally come to fruition, it would mark a major milestone toward fulfilling the comprehensive vision for Herndon Square. Until then, continued attention and pressure will be essential to ensure the full commitments made nearly two decades ago are realized for the people of Atlanta’s English Avenue neighborhood.