Warner Robins Community Concerned About Low-Income Apartment Complex Moving In

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Residents in a Warner Robins community don’t want a low-income apartment complex going up in their neighborhood.

Keith Keen takes a lot of pride in his home because he says it took him a long time to get there.

“This was a huge step for us, it was a huge investment, we stepped out on faith, we prayed a lot, and we believe the Lord led us to this place,” said Keen.

Keen owns a home in the Tiffany subdivision off Feagin Mill Road in Warner Robins. It’s an area homes sell for more than $300,000 and new ones are still going up, but residents don’t want all new development.

Warner Robins Councilman Mike Brashear says a developer wants to build a 96-unit apartment complex on a vacant lot across the street from the Tiffany subdivision. It will offer several units as Section 42 housing.

“It’s an ability for apartment developers to get government credits for building lower income housing, it’s not subsidized housing, it’s lower income,” said Brashear.

Section 42 housing is not subsidized housing offered by the government. As Brashear said, residents pay their full way for housing, the price they pay is based on several factors including their income.

Still, it’s an idea people like Keen, are not excited about. Marvin Brown lives in the subdivision right next to the vacant lot.

“It’s not that I’m afraid of anything but I come out of that area, and I know the trouble that it brings,” said Brown.

Brashear understands those concerns. The land is zoned for businesses but it was recently approved residential housing to be built. Brashear met with residents to walk them through the process of appealing that decision.

“They’re my constituents I represent them in post four, whatever they decide to go forward I’ll be at the appeals process with them making sure that they get heard, and that the process works accordingly,” said Brashear.

Several residents told 41NBC said they’re also concerned about increased traffic in the area, and strain the schools by adding more kids.

“The bottom line is we are all out here trying to protect our investment so naturally we are going to be very sensitive as to what’s being built you know, right under our chins,” said Keen.

Brashear says he understands the developers position and the residents concerns. He wants everyone to be heard before any action is taken.

About 200 residents have signed a petition to keep the land zoned for commercial properties. Residents plan to hold another community meeting on June 5th to continue talking about the appeals process.