Housing authority and Bibb County partners break ground on Pleasant Hill affordable housing project

A coalition of local officials and development partners onstage at a Pleasant Hill ceremony turned the first sod for Pleasant Hill Landing, a planned affordable housing development the Mon Housing Authority and county leaders said will add about 64 rental units to the neighborhood and room for roughly 62 families.

Jeff Batcher, chair of the Mon Housing Authority, opened the event by framing the project as part of the neighborhood’s history and future and invoking local Medal of Honor recipient Rodney Davis. “We’re creating new homes and new opportunities for families who are going to write that next story of Pleasant Hill,” Batcher said.

Mayor Lester Miller said Bibb County has made an ongoing commitment to affordable housing through a county affordable housing fund seeded with American Rescue Plan money and other local fundraising, and emphasized that the county sought to pair development with preservation of neighborhood history and community input.

Jerry Battle, the county’s neighborhood programs coordinator, described outreach efforts and partnerships—citing work to reimagine Neil Park and local United Way programs—saying the project is intended to connect residents to services and rebuild trust between neighborhoods and government.

Mike Austin, identified as CEO of Making Housing Affordable, described the financial complexity of producing affordable housing and the multi‑partner capital stacks such projects require. “When it’s all said and done, 62 families will be able to live here and thrive,” Austin said, arguing that long-term management and local stewardship would keep the development integrated with the neighborhood.

A representative of Sheridan Construction, identified in remarks as Christy Cranford, said the company will manage a roughly 12‑month construction schedule, work to limit dust and noise and strive to be “a good neighbor.” “The Pleasant Hill Landing project will include three multifamily buildings on this site with one, two, and three‑bedroom units,” the speaker said.

Speakers also addressed nearby Lynwood Cemetery, noting it is the burial site of Rodney Davis and other veterans; organizers said they have spoken with current caretakers and will seek ways to support maintenance and improvements. The public remarks ended with a ceremonial turning of the dirt and a group photograph.

What’s next: organizers said construction will start under Sheridan Construction’s planned 12‑month timetable and that housing authority staff will manage the property locally; no formal planning or permitting milestones were specified during the event.