Reviewed by: Pat Byington
New plan brings affordable housing to west Montgomery’s Southlawn community
Reading time: 3 minutes
A new vision for affordable housing in west Montgomery took center stage on Thursday, Oct. 29. Community members and leaders gathered at 5121 Cater Dr. in New Hope Village Southlawn for the special announcement.
The initiative aims to revitalize a neighborhood that community leaders say has not seen new development in more than 60 years. The site for the project was previously owned by the YMCA of Greater Montgomery and housed a local community pool.
Now, the large empty lot has been gifted to Montgomery Habitat for Humanity for a small fee, clearing the way for the new development.
Why this project matters to Southlawn residents
Councilwoman Franetta Riley and Southlawn Community Organization President Geri Cheeseboro address attendees in Southlawn (Leo Hall / Montgomery UP)
The project represents a collaborative effort among Montgomery Habitat for Humanity, District 4 Councilwoman Franetta Riley, the YMCA of Greater Montgomery and local residents.
“This is not just about us; it’s a community,” said Councilwoman Franetta Riley, who originally brought the property to Habitat’s attention. “It was amazing to see a property that I knew so well… and ask what could we do for our community…just to see our community grow and just be a blessing to all.”
Geri Cheeseboro, president of the Southlawn Community Organization, expressed personal joy over the project’s potential on her childhood street.
“I grew up right around this street and when I came back years later after I had moved away and everything was gone, it broke my heart,” Cheeseboro shared. “There’s nothing like growth and change and development to give people a sense of pride and that’s what we want.”
A mixed-use vision for New Hope Village Southlawn
Unveiled site renderings outline a mixed-use neighborhood design tailored to family and community life. Plans feature two single-family homes fronting the road, a central commercial space designated for Southlawn Coffee, three two-unit townhomes and two condo buildings offering six to eight units. Green spaces and outdoor seating areas will also be incorporated to foster neighborhood connection.
“This property has been established in the roots of partnership and collaboration from the very beginning,” said Caleb Cooper, vice president of operations and strategic partnerships for the YMCA of Greater Montgomery. “To be able to think about repurposing the space to provide families with another opportunity to recreate what life means for them…we’re just really getting started.”
Susan Alston Johnson, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Montgomery, noted that getting resident buy-in was crucial during early discussions.
“We sat down, talked and went through some things and then we attended the neighborhood association meeting,” she shared. “We were so excited to present it to them to get their feedback—what they liked and what they didn’t like. So far, everybody said, ‘Thumbs up, let’s move forward!’”
While officials note there is no set timeline for construction to begin, leaders point to this project as a vital step in bringing long-overdue investment and momentum to an underserved part of the city.
How do you think this new vision for Southlawn will shape the future of District 4? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook.
