City outlines redevelopment plan for Roswell Housing Authority parcels; council backed loan to support affordable units

City officials described progress on redevelopment of Roswell Housing Authority properties and said the city has taken steps to ensure displaced residents have first right of return when new affordable units are completed.

At the Sept. 29 forum, Council Member Lee Hills and staff described a two‑phase redevelopment plan for Pelfrey Pines and an adjacent parcel known as "the quad." The redevelopment would expand existing inventory from about 40 units to roughly 102 units on the first site; later phases will address other RHA holdings. Council Member Hills said the city committed $2.0 million through a Section 108/HUD financing structure to make the capital stack work and that Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds will repay that loan over time.

Officials said the redevelopment process included outreach to current residents and that the housing authority and city worked to secure temporary relocation and first right of return for residents displaced by demolition and construction. Council members said the project had been difficult but necessary to address aging housing stock that the council believes was neglected in prior administrations.

Staff said the project will include single‑bedroom, two‑bedroom and some larger units; exact unit mixes and timelines will be disclosed as project closings occur. Council members said they expect a groundbreaking in October for the near‑term phase and that a closing on the next phase is expected in mid‑2026.

Those who support the redevelopment cited the need for safe, modern affordable housing for seniors and families; some residents at the meeting recounted personal experiences with housing instability and urged continued focus on workforce and affordable housing solutions.