Georgia Department of Community Affairs Awards 2018 Housing Tax Credit To Fort Valley DDA Project

November 7, 2017
DHM Developer, Inc; Fort Valley Main Street/Downtown Development Authority; DAPC

The Development Authority of Peach County received the following announcement:

All,

DHM Developer, Inc. (Investment Management Company) in partnership with the Fort Valley Main Street/Downtown Development Authority, has been selected by the State of Georgia Department of Community Affairs for the 2018 Housing Tax Credit award for the redevelopment of the Historic Fort Valley High School.  This (approximately) 9 million project will include 56 apartment units for senior low income housing. 

The developer scored particularly high with their Transformation Plan. The Fort Valley Main Street/Downtown Development Authority will facilitate implementation of the transformation plan recommendations to ensure forward movement toward a healthier and more vibrant community.  Examples of the plan: 

20 scholarships to fund the full cost of the GED exam fee to residents of the housing unit, 32 Boys & Girls Club Scholarships to cover the full cost of attendance at the Boys & Girls Club during the school year,  $500.00 per month for 15 years to be allocated from the developer’s operating expenses for monthly health & wellness screenings, an operating budget allocated to gardening supplies & establishing a community garden along with commitment for training with the assistance of Fort Valley State University’s Coop Program, commitment of funds to provide online computer skills training and hands-on instruction, and the list goes on and on.  This is a developer very interested in our community and they will be a very valuable asset. 

Two years ago, the Main Street/DDA and the Development Authority of  Peach County met with leaders of the community and administration at Fort Valley State University presenting a plan similar to Antioch College, Duke & Notre Dame, some called this plan “A Village”; where University students play a more prominent role with Seniors in a community and Seniors play a prominent role with the young students at a University.  This plan can now become a reality. 

I am so pleased that this historic landmark will be saved and Welcome this developer into our community of Fort Valley.  This project came by way of the Development Authority of Peach County, Director, BJ Walker, due to his involvement in our community and serving on the BOE.  The Fort Valley Downtown Development appreciates the teamwork by the Development Authority of Peach County.  As always, teamwork does make a difference.   I look forward to working with IMC.  More details will follow such as a start date, completion date, and leasing information, etc… as I learn more.   

On another subject:  This past Spring I nominated the Fort Valley Freight Warehouse Depot to the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.  In September, I was notified the Freight Depot Warehouse was selected.  November 15th, I travel to Rhodes Hall in Atlanta to accept the recognition as the Trustees of The Georgia Trust voted to include the Fort Valley Warehouse Depot on the 2018 Places in Peril list.  This is a very exciting recognition and opportunity to work with the Georgia Trust in an effort to save this threatened historic resource.  An announcement reception will be open to anyone who wishes to attend on November 15th at 6 p.m. at Rhodes Hall.  RSVP’s must be made so if anyone is interested in attending, please let me know.  A formal announcement by The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation will be made shortly after the award. 

Kathie Lambert

Executive Director 

Fort Valley Downtown Development

201 Oakland Heights Parkway

Fort Valley, Ga.   31030

Office 478-825-5986

Fax 478-825-7293