Over 1 year later, Going Local Initiative begins building 2 affordable housing sites, 1 family backs out | ClarksvilleNow.com
Over 1 year later, Going Local Initiative begins building 2 affordable housing sites, 1 family backs out | ClarksvilleNow ... Clarksville Now
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Going Local Initiative Breaks Ground on Affordable Housing Sites
CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A local nonprofit, the Going Local Initiative, recently broke ground on two new affordable housing sites over a year after announcing the project.
Introduction
In September 2022, the then-new Going Local Initiative announced it was building new homes for two Clarksville families, with the families contributing to the cost. The houses, awarded through a lottery system, were initially to be built by the summer of 2023.
While the project was delayed for several months, construction has finally begun. For Sharlinda Robertson, whose name was selected in the lottery system, the opportunity is a blessing. Robertson told Clarksville Now this was something she had been praying on, and she’s grateful to watch it come to fruition.
Yolanda Stewart, executive director with the Going Local Initiative, said the opportunity was made possible by a partnership among the City of Clarksville, Mosaic Church, First Presbyterian Church and GLI.
“Integrity is everything in the business that we’re in, which is ministry,” Stewart said. “So, we were determined to make this moment happen with or without those who started out with us.”
At the Nov. 15 groundbreaking ceremony, she thanked Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts and the two people who served as interim directors of the city-run Clarksville Neighborhood and Community Services Department, David Smith and Michelle Austin, for finding ways to accelerate the program after it became stagnant for a period of time.
Stewart said it was great watching Robertson and her family celebrate, and she’s been inspired by her throughout the time they’ve worked together.
Second Family Backs Out
While the Robertsons plan to move into 722 Richardson St., the other property at 724 Richardson St. is now up for grabs following the second family backing out. The second family, who wished not to be named, backed out because of several hurdles they had to overcome caused by delays in the project.
The Going Local Initiative will hold a second lottery to find another family for the second property. The date has yet to be determined.
Construction for the two affordable housing sites have been estimated to take six months to complete.
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