(Editor's Note: This article has been updated to reflect the correct working title for the proposed complex, which is "Canton Street City Walk.")
As the city looks to capitalize on the energy surrounding its historic district, a proposal to build luxury apartments on Frazier Street has some questioning where current tenants and others will find affordable housing in Roswell.
Affordability aside, the aging Frazier Street Apartments have been a visible issue locally for quite some time.
"This is one of the areas that has been identified for years as needing redevelopment," said Councilwoman Nancy Diamond. "It came close just before the economic downturn and then was put on hold."
So the Frazier Street Apartments have stayed. Even with little to no updating, the low-cost housing units typically stay full.
That's because the affordable housing options in Roswell are limited. Roswell Housing Authority Executive Director Scott Marcelais said the waiting list for one of the authority's units is long.
"Our process is [a] very formal, waiting list opening only periodic because we get so many applicants," he told Roswell Patch in an e-mail.
However, thanks to mortgage revenue bonds - which "use the proceeds to finance low-cost mortgages for lower income first-time homebuyers or the production of apartments at rents affordable to lower income families," according to the National Council of State Housing Agencies - there might be an answer, said Marcelais.
In Roswell, Belcourt, River Pointe, Chambrell, Rosemont Wood Creek and Creekside apartment complexes might be options for displaced tenants to move, depending on the current vacancy rates.
Long-time Roswell resident Janet Russell believes convenience to stores, public transit and walk-ability to living services are just some of the reasons the current Frazier Street Apartments have been there so long. She worries that, if ousted by the luxury apartment proposal, current tenants won't speak up for themselves since some of them may be illegal.
It's "a real problem if these people are displaced and are expected to live without these amenities when [they] don't have a car," she told Roswell Patch.
But, it's not an issue in which the city has direct oversight, said Diamond.
"We as a city don't have any legal mechanism or right to require housing in any particular price range," she said, speaking to the fact that development and redevelopment is done by private business.
According to Diamond, Roswell has a shortage of several different housing types, including high market rate, smaller units and workforce housing.
But, the increasingly pricey historic district probably isn't where workforce housing is going to be found in the future.
The Frazier Street "property will be quite costly to redevelop, so rebuilding low income housing on this site would likely not be feasible," Diamond said.
If developers get the go ahead to redevelop from Roswell City Council in May, the current apartments will be bulldozed to make way for a luxury complex, tentatively called Canton Street City Walk. The proposed plans are possible thanks to last year's approval of the Groveway zoning form based code by council.
"The Groveway code helped send a signal that there was serious interest on the part of the community to help make some positive change," said Diamond. "I think we will see more redevelopment in the Groveway area, as there are a number of distressed properties, but that first catalytic project can definitely help jump start others."
Diamond believes both the community and the council will focus greatly on how each proposal that comes forth - including Canton Street Walk - will fit into the character of a neighborhood "that is so unique, historic and cool."
Qbsystems
10:42 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
If the current Frazier Street residents are illegal then shame on them. Do you think the tax paying citizens care where they go if the low income units disappear? Its been a joke ("little tiajuana") and source of humiliation to this town. Maybe they should try their home country. I say kudos to the idea of luxury complex. Roswell needs to get it together. we have a wonderful opportunity to make the historic area something amazing!
Lee Fleck
1:07 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
This complex is in line with Mayor Woods preference of redeveloping blight (and illegals) out of Roswell. I am certain Councilwomen Diamond will find a place for them on Warsaw Rd.
Lee Fleck
12:17 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
I wish y'all had seen the local network news last night when the Mayor was asked that specific question. His response was basically - NOT MY PROBLEM.
John Thomas
3:11 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Interesting! I live in Canton Street Walk in historic Roswell. I would if they are moving my house?
http://activerain.com/states/GA/cities/Roswell/communities/Canton%20Street%20Walk
MKO
3:25 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
I'd like to point out that the Big Creek Parkway is proposed for the Warsaw Rd area. Per the community workshop, there are two proposals currently being considered. Alignment 1 has the removal of 23 homes from the Liberty Square subdivision and Alignment 2 has the removal of 4 apartment buildings.
Annie Mouse
3:30 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Note that it was only a resident who said some at Frazier Street MIGHT be illegal. Pure speculation. "Little Tiajuana" is far from a joke and certainly not a humiliation to this town. Cultural diversity is a fact of life in this day of age, and trying to send Roswell back to the 1950s in terms of "only X race can live here" is sad. You know who lives in "Little Tiajuana?" The people who cut your lawn, fry your burgers, serve you your margaritas at "that cute little Mexican place", give you a ride home in the taxi after one too many of those margaritas, change your SUV's oil, clean your McMansion, BUILD your McMansion, scrub the toilets in your/your husband's office building and your child's school, do your dry cleaning, stock the shelves at the Whole Foods... I could go on. And Canton Street proper itself thrives on the (I shall be polite) "affordable" labor provided by some at Frazier Street, behind the scenes, where the suburbanites never see them.
Now, to the aesthetic issue that Roswell resident's seem so passionate about. Yes, the current apartments are in need of serious work. But the planned structures are as bland as any other AMLI I've seen around the Atlanta area. There is nothing unique to those buildings at all. If Roswell is going to drastically up-heave an entire demographic of residents, at least make it for a better-looking reason.
Qbsystems
4:56 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Madam, I cut my own lawn, fry my own burgers, dont drink margaritas, change my own oil, do not own an suv, nor do I need a ride home in a cab from anyone or live in a "mcmansion" , scrub my own toilets, on and on...also I pay big taxes, am a law abiding citizen and do not cotton to anyone who approves of an "underclass/ slave labor force" that seems to be acceptable in this country. And by the way, as a 25 year resident of this town, I DO consider Frazier St. Apt. to be a blight and an eyesore tht aids and abets illegals.
Squiffy McShite
1:43 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Cultural diversity, or 'milti-culturalism' is a liberal disease that is destroying this country. These, ahem...'immigrants' are here providing cheap labor because of our own greed and sloth. This is a capitalistic business venture, and if the current residents and their landlords can generate more money for the City of Roswell in thier current state, then let them be. The fact is..they can't. How much of their incomes do you think is remitted right back to Mexico, as opposed to being redistributed within the community at large? Why don't we have the INS raid the properties and flush out the ones here illegally, and see who's left? Their actions en masse are nothing short of colonization, and you're embracing it!
Qbsystems
4:28 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
why thankyou, squiffy! I couldn't have said it better . I fail to see whenever I say something that the left disagrees with I made to feel I am a scourge that should be thankful I am even breathing....its uncanny the intolerance of the intolerant.
Ms morgan
4:38 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Ok McSHITE & Kristine....what if we DO have INS raid the apts and oh lookie there arent as many illegals as you want to make it out to be THEN WHAT? You are still displacing FAMILIES with low income...what about the section 8 housing on Oak Street what has happened to that ? or dont u give a fig because it is less hidden or the apts behind Red Lobster or the Hotel next to it that seems to be a HOT bed of illigal activity NOT Hispanic related? Why are the not doing about THESE areas? It is just the "downtown" area that it seems they care so much about. I cannot wait until they keep building things so expensive that the taxes and what not neither of you can afford to live in Roswell then you will be all up in arms about that issue....realisicaly it is this if it really doesnt affect YOU ...YOU really dont give a fig except to sit in YOUR home and point fingers about the Lower income people or the rejects you like to think of them....I hate to tell you but parts of Roswell have been BUILT on the backs of people who could not afford some of the same places that are here now and they have NOT been illegals but Americans by birth....I have SEEN it first hand....I cant wait until the undesireables are you.
janet h russell
3:42 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Frazier St Apartments' tenants were previously a majority of Black residents. Now they are Hispanic. Not all are illegal. But most don't drive for a variety of reasons.
I have to wonder who came up with the name "Canton St. Walk". It is not on or even near Canton St. I have always wanted Frazier St. Apts upgraded but the City will force those on limited income (including their own employees) to live further and further outside the city thus forcing them into longer more costly commutes in time and money. Is this another reason that the City Council took (yes I said took) 467 thousand dollars intended for Marta improvements and is using it for a sidewalk to connect Canton St to Norcross St across SR9? God forbid that the money actually goe where it was intended to be spent. Roswell wouldn't want people who use Marta to get the improvements. And did you know that for ever $1 spent on transportation improvements, there is a $4 return on the money via commerce?
John Thomas
4:33 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
From what I have seen and heard in previous meetings the "Marta money" was always designated to cross walk improvements at Magnolia St. I don't know if the Norcross sidewalk came of the those funds.
And who of you have checked the legal status of the Frazier St residents? It is easy to make generalizations. If they are illegal then they don't belong here or anywhere else in the USA (obviously their illegal). If they are legal or illegal their leases must be honored.We are a nation of laws, leases being a part of that. Like anyone else when the lease is up the owner can do anything they want with the property including build anew on the site. If you or I were living there we would just have to find another please to live. I personally lived in the area behind the Red Lobster and it is approximately 1 mile from Frazier St. The complexes are always advertising vacancies so this must be at least 4 complexes offering alternative living accommodation.
janet h russell
6:05 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
John,
The City received $1,645,000 from Marta for improvements to access Marta and for the actual stops. The City Council voted to spend $250K for actual bus stop improvements which included 10 shelters and a few poles with backless seats which are like camping stools. Sidewalks were extended approx. 40 ft on either side of some Marta stops. But not all. I was at the City Council meeting when they voted to spend only that much. I was stunned. Another $500K was spent to connect Holcomb Bridge Rd across Ga. 400 so that people who take Marta busses could actually walk across Ga 400 with pedestrian access. The money was NEVER intended for Magnolia by Marta. I listened as Council woman Becky Wynn, screamed "let's use Marta money" for every wish list project that Transportation mentioned at one city council meeting. I reminded her that this fund was not the City's piggy bank but was designated for Marta. Had the City Council actually used the money as expected- every single Marta stop on SR9 would have accessability and connect to the next one by a sidewalk. That means that we would actually have sidewalks on SR9 for the thousands of residents who live on /off of this road which has a daily car count use exceeding 40,000 . There are NO crosswalks for over 2 miles to the existing 80 year old unimproved sidewalk which has power poles and mail boxes in the middle of them. One has to question why? or Why not?
Maggie DeCan
7:47 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
The families who live in the Frasier street apartments go to Roswell North and Crabapple Middle School with our own kids. With very few exceptions, these are families just like the rest of us in Roswell, hard working people who want to build a better life for their children. We have been blessed to have them add to the advantage of diversity at RNE. If Canton Walk is approved, I hope that the ecumenical community in Roswell; RUMC, Roswell Pres, St. David's, Roswell Baptist, NFCC and others will step in to help these families all transition to safe housing. I believe that many of these leases are month to month. The last time that this community came close to redevelopment, many of these families came home to find notes posted on their doors giving them 30 days to vacate. It is not easy to come up with a new deposit, moving expenses, first and last month rent when you are living week to week. I hope that whether we want this area redeveloped or we are outraged that this is happening, that we might all come together to help the families affected. They must have terrible anxiety right now worrying about it.
janet h russell
8:32 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
You are so correct. And imagine trying to do all of this without a car? And then wondering how you will get to grocery shopping? doctors? The list doesn't end. And they do pay taxes each and every time they purchase anything. And property taxes are factored into their rent.
Ms morgan
10:51 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Kristine and to the other people who call themselves Roswell "natives",
Living here here 25 years does not mean or make you a native. My family has lived here for over 85 years. Before any of these people moved here and decide to change everything. I was born and bred here. My family went to school here, worked here and raised their family here. Jerry Woods the attorney for my first house. Now that is a native and I personally still live here. I know EXACTLY first hand how the city of Roswell and our represenatives come in and take from low income familys and people who have called Roswell Home for longer than you have been here. Roswell is NOTORIOUS for slowly but effectively moving natives and the lower income families out to make room for the more attractive and affluent residents. Making bigger houses the more acceptable living venues. I have seen Frasier Street apartments change from lower income to even lower income housing. I do agree they need improvements but why does someone get to change the housing just because they are afraid to see lower stature people among their upscale Canton Street. The Idea behind Roswell was of acceptance. I am sorry that you cannot accept "these People" as living in your area. I too pay my taxes to live here and I have decided this is my home. I have seen more changes happen to Roswell both good and bad, but as you don't cotton to things I think you need to take a good hard look at what Roswell does with OUR money and OUR changes.
Qbsystems
4:43 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
I would say a good bit of the consternation is the crime my friend. Many had to put up window security bars to keep from being robbed in that area. and why is a difference of opinion so offensive to you that you have to take the stance, " well i've lived here longer than you...na na na" Is this a country of laws or not? Being here illegally is a crime. If they are here legally/legitimately than I have no problem. And by the way..I said I was a 25 year resident..but you are so much better than me because you are a TRUE "native".
Ms morgan
7:15 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Kristine so a state of paralyzing dismay is the crime? Do you know what the word MEANS? If you are so scared then why DO you live here? Do you even live in the area of these apartments? Have YOU put up bars because ur afraid of being robbed...I grew up a stones throw from these apartments.So I do think more than YOU I have seen the changes in this area. And you have made a blanket statement of intolerables legal or illegal just that THEY are a blight on Roswell. And just to be clear YOU brought up how long you have lived here like it is your RIGHT to change all the laws to your whims...and to be honestly yea I kinda thing since you didnt help shape Roswell or live here to see all the changes yea I do think I have a bigger stake in Roswell as a whole than you do...It seems that alot of people who say this is my "home" as of like 3 yrs want to change the entire city to suit them and not live with our city and its PRESENT charm....um historic Roswell is and NEW historic Roswell are NOT the same.
Elizabeth Rains
10:56 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
I am a tax paying citzen and I care very much where "they" as you refer to our friends and neighbors "go" should the luxury complex idea come full circle. The diversity of this community is a draw for some of us here in Roswell. I think we have an opportunity to figure out how to make this work for everyone in our community. In order to prepare our children for the world of today Roswell needs to wake up indeed! Wake Up! and recognize that we have to figure out a solution that is considerate of all our residents not just those that reside behind the pretty front door of a house that sits in the middle of a manicured lawn.
janet h russell
11:14 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Roswell is a nice place to live for some and not for "others". I like living here for the last 40 years but I have been a voice for those who are afraid to speak out, didn't know they could or didn't think anyone was listening. And I know this for sure, never underestimate the power of the 'good ole boy/girl' network in this city. As much as the City's elected officials would like you to believe that they are inclusive- they really aren't. It's window dressing. A city is only as strong as it's weakest citizens.
janet h russell
4:35 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Kristine, Interesting to me that you think anyone who disagrees with you or has an opinion different from yours is on the "left". When in doubt, self flaggelate with politics and feel very sorry for yourself for the self inflicted wounds.
janet h russell
4:48 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
I wish there had been this much concern and comments when the City decided to build a water treatment plant that provides water to 12% of the cities residents but will cost over 17million dollars.The other 78% get their water from Fulton County. And guess who those residents are? Why, the very core of the original city along SR9. We had no vote and cannot say 'no' to Roswell water. And we are still waiting to hear how much our bills will increase. No one knows. And did you worry about the closing of the VFW which sits on land dedicated by Teddy Roosevelt. The Roswell Housing Authority bought that for pennies on the dollar after the city basically condemned it. And no replacement for the services which the VFW provided to returning Iraq, Afghanistan and even Vietnam vets.
And if you have never seen this film- check it out. "A day without a Mexican". good, to the point and funny at the same time.
By the way, Christine and others who sit on their self appointed better than others perch, I am sure the Native Americans could have said the same thing about the white settlers who invaded this region and took their land, killed them and poisoned their rivers so they could not fish or hunt.
Qbsystems
4:56 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
So.... its not a good thing then to want your community to be a safer, better community...it is somehow intolerant? I personally live close to the area we are all discussing and NO its not Canton ST. But..in this environment I will refrain from further comment. From the article it is clear which side of the discussion you fall on.
janet h russell
4:56 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Kristine, Check the police blotter in the local newspapers. You will few if any crimes by Hispanics compared to others. This same logic was used to prevent integration in the 60's and to minimize the expansion of Marta into neighborhing counties. You know " all those people bring crime" to our nice neighborhoods. Nice to know you have lived here 25 years. I am 40 years in the same house in Roswell. When I moved here Roswell was black and white. Nothing more. I love that we have changed ethnically, racially, religously. Life would be so boring if the only spice was salt. A high salt diet can be dangerous to your health .
Qbsystems
5:07 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
I guess you might feel differently if your daughter had been brutalized (and you know what I mean) as mine was, by an illegal person of Mexican heritage. I admit it slants my view of the issue somewhat but not entirely. I still think the Canton Street area presents an enormous economic opportunity and enjoyment for all.
janet h russell
4:58 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Kristine, Safer,nicer community is always nice, Your subtext is but we can't possibly have that with "those people" living there.
janet h russell
8:58 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Kristine, sorry your daughter was 'brutalized. But if you cut your finger with a knife would you dislike all knives and ban them from your home?
Anathema Device
9:53 am on Friday, March 22, 2013
Personal feelings aside (since oh boy, I could tell you stories about white guys in the nice parts of town), everyone in the area should consider what the historic district's redevelopment of "undesirable" structures really entails.
When the developers came for Frazier Street Apartments,
I remained silent;
I was not a resident.
When they knocked down Myrtle Street Apartments,
I remained silent;
I did not live there.
When they came for Allenbrook,
I remained silent;
I did not know what or where it was because it's not painted white and it wasn't on the trolley tours.
When they came for my house in the area,
nobody cared because it wasn't their home.
Qbsystems
10:04 am on Friday, March 22, 2013
I see your point. You make a really good point Anathema.
janet h russell
2:49 pm on Friday, March 22, 2013
Well said, Anathema. I have been speaking out for almost 40 years . But the sounds of silence have been deafening. Since the decision makers don't live in the Historic area of our city, they make decisions without a real knowledge of life here. Not for the restaurnant goers, or the tourists but the residents from all walks of life, all ages, all races, all religioins who choose to live smaller on purpose. Life in the center of Roswell is not plan B for most of us. It is a choice.
Qbsystems
10:02 am on Friday, March 22, 2013
Well, that was really beside the point and I shouldn't have posted that. This whole thing has morphed way beyond the original point. Everyone..peace out. Have a great weekend.