and related problems, deterioration of infrastructure, few
private sector investments, no new housing stock. The
South Rome Redevelopment Corporation was established.
Corporate executive with Rome roots Tom Cousins’ success
with a much worse area at that time - East Atlanta - helped,
along with Purpose Built Communities. Currently, momentum
is building, The city and South Rome Redevelopment
Corporation Initiative with planning, apartments, Anna K.
Davie School, the Boys and Girls Club and the Floyd County
Health Department seeded opportunities, which are still
occurring. The look and feel are comparatively far better
than only a few years ago. Dilapidated houses have been
demolished, making way for new ones; some of the grander
historic homes along East 12th Street and Mount Aventine
have been restored.
Good traffic counts, including going to and from
Darlington, Coosa Country Club and Georgia Northwestern
Technical College, could generate retail and restaurant
activity.
Where’s next? According to the Rome-Floyd County
Planning Department, the North Rome corridor is next.
Founded by entrepreneur Rene Fountain and led by Terri
Mayes the North Broad Youth Center has added a unique
and beneficial mission for this part of Rome.
The area recycling center has been moved to West Rome
along Lavender Road; retail and restaurants are starting to
choose this neighborhood – a good basis to attract more
opportunities.
West Rome’s biggest challenge is the closing of Plant
Hammond. It’s major opportunity is International Paper: $300
million in new reinvestment in Coosa directly benefits the
neighborhoods, retailers and restaurants. The new natural
gas line will add important energy infrastructure, an asset for
more manufacturers. The Hammond facility could be reused
in a variety of ways.
The announcement by Jeff and Mary Margaret Mauer for
planned reuse of the closed psychiatric center bodes well for
patients and others. Their ideas for Restoration Rome, reuse
of the closed Southeast Elementary school, has benefited
many young people and families.
Continued on page 25
Plant Hammond