The Brookhaven City Council is acquiring two lots on Buford Highway for $7.4 million to build “affordable housing” adjacent to the Peachtree Creek Greenway.
At the May 28 council meeting, District 4 Councilmember John Funny called it “a great opportunity for the city.”
Brookhaven is purchasing parcels 2677 and 2687 Buford Highway from KBO, LLC. The parcels are currently occupied by a small office building and a parking lot. City Attorney Jeremy Berry said additional associated costs could be incurred and “nothing is final until the deal is closed.”
Brookhaven purchased 2665 Buford Highway in 2023 to house the city’s planning and engineering departments. The building, property and renovation – now underway – are expected to cost approximately $5.4 million.
Nearby, billion dollar developments are progressing with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Arthur M. Blank Hospital, a 446-bed pediatric hospital, and Emory’s Executive Park Campus. Adjacent properties on Buford Highway include a new residential development at 2751 Buford Highway, a vehicular bridge, and a pedestrian bridge over I-85.
“This gives the city the opportunity to pursue affordable housing,” said Funny. “We are doing this with intent of addressing the ‘missing middle’ spoken of in the comp plan.”
The “missing middle” refers to diverse housing options for a low income bracket. Funny said the intent is to offer workforce housing in the city of Brookhaven for police, firefighters, teachers, and nurses, allowing the city to be inclusive. Specific plans have not been announced.
Brookhaven plans to partner with the DeKalb Housing Authority and the Tax Allocation District, said Deputy City Manager Steve Chapman.
“It will be 100% affordable housing,” said Funny. “That’s exciting. That’s making a welcoming city for all.”