Community Development Corporation of Southwest Georgia Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony For Pine Woods Apartments
The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House was held Wednesday, September 26, 2007 for Colquitt’s newest multi-family rental complex – Pine Woods Apartments by the Community Development Corporation (CDC) of Southwest Georgia. The event was attended by many dignitaries, supporters, and friends.
Karen Kimbrel, CDC Chair, opened the ceremonies by welcoming those in attendance. Representative Gerald Greene spoke briefly giving congratulations and support. Mr. Kenneth Cutts, District Director, representing Congressman Sanford Bishop, also expressed support and best wishes. Commissioner Barbie Womble brought greetings from Miller County and stated how the complex was on her drive to and from work and how the project seemed to form overnight. Mayor Jerry Chapman represented the City of Colquitt and was complimentary and supportive of the project. Veryl Cockey, President of Colquitt/Miller County Chamber of Commerce, also gave support and best wishes. She assisted with the ribbon-cutting process and Debra Atkinson, CDC Executive Director, cut the ribbon.
Karen Kimbrel then introduced the CDC Board Members - Joy Jinks, Liz Perkins, Dot Wainright, Horace Williams, Betty Miller, Cory Thomas, and Pat Bush. She stated how the realization of additional housing for Miller County has been a long time coming. Joy Jinks gave a brief history of the CDC and how it was formed in 1997 through the County, City, and the Colquitt/Miller County Arts Council coming together to recognize that growth in the area would be difficult without affordable housing. The CDC obtained their 501©3 non-profit status in 2002. After a period of time the CDC Board realized that in order to move forward they needed to hire an Executive Director. In April 2004 Debra Atkinson was hired in this capacity.
Debra stated how the CDC applied for and was approved for the 2005 session of the Federal Home Loan Bank AHP Grant in the amount of $500,000. She thanked Donald Brooks and the First State Bank for agreeing to be the local member bank in order to even apply for the grant. She also expressed appreciation to Mr. Brooks for assisting in the loan process of the project.
She expressed appreciation to Kirk Walker, President – Housing Consultant, with BranCourJus Housing Development, Inc.
She thanked Newbanks Management for the actual building and construction of the beautiful facility and specifically to Tim Hamby, as their representative.
She then thanked Union Investment, Inc. for assistance in the loan process, as well as donating the property and assisting with some drainage issues.
Thanks also, to Ben Erlize, Attorney at Law, for assistance with the legal aspects of the project.
She also thanked Elaine Chafin and stated that Elaine would have the primary responsibility as apartment manager.
Mrs. Atkinson stated, “There had been some headaches throughout the process and many prayers sent up. Most projects average taking seven to ten years from start to finish. The CDC was approved for the AHP grant in 2005, had ground breaking December 2006 and we are here today celebrating the ribbon cutting. This process has taken less than three years. So, we certainly feel many of those prayers have been answered.”
She also stated, “The goal of the CDC is to assist Miller County residents – particularly the residents within this complex - to eventually make the transition from rental to home ownership. Elaine and I have attended classes and are in the process of becoming HUD/DCA certified housing counselors to assist potential homebuyers in becoming credit worthy and obtaining first time home buyers grants and loans.”
Open House was also held from 4:00 to 7:00 for anyone in the community who may have been interested in renting. Mrs. Atkinson asked for the community’s support in referring anyone who may wish to rent a beautiful apartment here in Colquitt. Any one interested can call 229/758-9633.
She thanked the crowd again for attending and invited them in for refreshments and to tour the model apartment.
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