I’ve lived in the Capital View community since 1997. Our neighborhood is a hidden gem just over a mile from Fort McPherson. When I moved here, the fort was still active, and the presence of military personnel was prevalent in the area. Uniformed soldiers were seen at local retailers and gas stations. If you were lucky, and you benefited from affiliation, you might have shopped at the PX, attended social functions or even played a round of golf.
Since the fort’s closing in 2011, the community has suffered with business closures, declining home values and job losses.
I’ve been attending the McPherson Implementing Local Redevelopment Authority meetings about the redevelopment of the fort and have expressed happiness about the long-awaited purchase of the property by Tyler Perry. If he is willing to make an investment on the southwest side of Atlanta, I’m all for it.
Over the years, it was rumored many developers were interested in the property and that it was ideal for an in-town, upscale, live-work community similar to Atlantic Station. It was said this was sought-after land. Well, here we are, four years later, and there’s no residential live-work community, no high-tech company, only a decline in the once-grand property behind the white walls.
I don’t know the ins and outs of all potential purchasers of the property, nor the background on why deals were not sealed in the past. One thing is for sure: Many development projects have been implemented around Atlanta, but few have settled in the 30310 zip code. As I live, travel and network in my community, I don’t see developers racing to build or relocate to hundreds of abandoned properties on my side of town.
This area is struggling. I feel confident the proposed studio will prompt other businesses to reconsider this part of Atlanta, leading to jobs and resources for our residents.
This is my community, and I want to see change — a chance for growth and economic development. I am hopeful that in a few years, my home value will increase, that I will be able to go to a Starbucks within a mile of my home and reduce my commute to home-improvement stores.
Maybe the critics don’t live here. Maybe they don’t see what really goes on in our community. We need hope and possibility. Let’s be real: Tyler Perry won’t be a savior, but his desire to invest certainly can’t hurt us and can only help begin the dialogue for change.
I’m proud to live in one of the best-kept secrets in the inner city. Come into our community, and see who we are. See what we’re about. See that we need services. We should not suffer at the expense of outsiders opposing this purchase. The prospect of economic development, job creation, crime reduction and increased amenities are all potential positives for this side of town.
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