Macon-Bibb leaders break ground on Pleasant Hill Landing affordable housing development

New 64 unit development aims to bring more affordable housing and support the Pleasant Hill community

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Macon Housing Authority broke ground Tuesday on a new affordable housing development in the Pleasant Hill community.

The project, called Pleasant Hill Landing, will include 64 units designed for families. Officials say the development is meant to create long term housing opportunities for generations to come.

“It will house families with children who will live and grow up in this neighborhood and it will serve many generations to come,” MHA CEO Mike Austin said.

Austin says the development represents about a $20 million investment in the Pleasant Hill area and is part of a larger effort to address the need for affordable housing in the community.

“Affordable housing in general, there’s a huge demand in Macon-Bibb, and really throughout the United States of America,” he said. “There’s just a big demand for good affordable housing. We all know it’s very expensive to live these days, and if you are challenged with income, it’s even harder. And so making affordable housing available to more people is extremely important to us.”

Lester Miller says the impact of the development could go beyond housing.

He says more families moving into the area could benefit nearby schools, specifically L H Williams Elementary School, which he says is often part of conversations surrounding enrollment.

“Having 64 new residences here in Macon, having multiple kids per household, school age children could make the difference in closing that school or not closing the school,” Miller said.

Mayor Lester Miller says the development will include space for future neighborhood businesses, creating additional opportunities for the community.

“I think it’s just going to be a breath of fresh air here, and a beautiful community and let them know that we value them and we’re there for them,” he said.