Maybe we spoke too soon. Last week it was gleefully reported that a multi-family housing was in the works near the heart of East Atlanta Village: a three story project on the site of the old John B. Gordon School to be led by Vinings-based Paces Properties. But, a speed bump in the form of a building moratorium has the project in limbo, the existence of which somehow didn't elicit mention in the purchase agreement. Go figure!
The moratorium, which effectively freezes construction activity in the area, was put in place in order for the adoption of key findings outlined in a 2008 Livable Centers Initiative Study put together for the drab South Moreland Avenue corridor. Although it could be lifted by Atlanta City Council at any time, and it's set to expire at the end of the year, there's also a possibility that the moratorium could be extended. Should that happen, Paces would walk away and the school site could add a few more years to its almost two decade vacancy. With denser housing wanted and needed in this vibrant little district, let's hope that's not the case.
· Construction Moratorium Puts Gordon School Project In Jeopardy [East Atlanta Patch]
· South Moreland Avenue LCI Study (pdf) [City of Atlanta]