Greensboro searching for developer for John Dimrey Drive apartments

GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — Can we build our way out of the housing crisis?

The city of Greensboro is hoping it can and is offering up some property to get the work started.

The goal is to turn old apartment buildings into affordable housing on John Dimrey Drive, whether that means tearing it all down and starting over or making major updates to the buildings already there.

“We are open to any and all suggestions,” Greensboro Neighborhood Improvement Manager Grant Duffield said.

The future is up in the air for 29 apartments that were built more than 60 years ago.

“It definitely needs to be cleaned up,” said Bruce Pannell, who lives along John Dimrey Drive.

Neighbors agree that it’s time for a change.

“I hope they hurry up and do it because with it being open like that, people are of course going to be sneaking in … If you are not going to do anything with it then get it on out of here,” said Shirley McClery, who has lived across the streets from the apartments for more than 20 years.

“When we first moved here, there were a lot of people living there then, but that only lasted for about three to four years. After that, they have been boarded up,” McClery said.

The updates on the way could have a ripple effect on the entire neighborhood.

“It would be a great pleasure for them to fix that up, so other tenants around here having these problems will get on the ball and fix their property up, so it will be a better living neighborhood, and it will look better for the public eye,” Pannell said.

A developer needs to take on the project before investments can be made.

“There is tremendous focus and need to make sure that whatever gets done there gets done right and gets done in a way that respects the needs and character of the community as well as making sure we provide those housing opportunities to those in need,” Duffield said.

The goal is to provide affordable housing for people with a certain income level.

For a family of four, it’s around $50,000 a year.

“We are looking for a developer who will develop homeownership opportunities for individuals and families,” Duffield said.

The city is accepting proposals now from developers.

They are due on April 19. If everything goes according to plan, there could be work as early as this summer.

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