# Stafford Properties and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens Break Ground at Terminal South

- Link: https://exclusiveaccess.net/stafford-properties-and-atlanta-mayor-andre-dickens-break-ground-at-terminal-south/
- Published: 2024-02-13T17:11:39-05:00
- Author: EAN

 

Situated approximately 20 minutes south of downtown Atlanta, alongside the train
tracks, lies the [Peoplestown](https://peoplestownatl.org/) neighborhood. This historically
Black community has long been neglected and underappreciated. Over the past decade,
residents have voiced concerns about the city utilizing eminent domain to acquire
residential properties. Clemmie Jenkins, a 73-year resident, has witnessed numerous
unfulfilled promises and disappointments.

“We’ve had so many promises given to us over the years, you name it, we’ve had it
come through and promise us the world and get nothing,” remarked Jenkins. Despite
the challenges, there’s a glimmer of improvement on the horizon.

Recently, city leaders initiated the groundbreaking ceremony for [Terminal South](https://www.terminalsouth.com/),
marking the first significant retail development in the area. Melissa Ahrendt, the
developer behind Terminal South, emphasized the importance of understanding and 
addressing the community’s needs. “It was really important to me to bring and listen
to what they wanted for their community, and the thing that they say constantly 
is they want jobs,” Ahrendt stated. The project aims to establish a social and commercial
hub, introducing new shops and restaurants while generating 250 job opportunities.

Atlanta Mayor [Andre Dickens](https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/mayor-s-office/meet-the-mayor)
highlighted the broader impact of the project, with mixed-income apartments and 
bus rapid transit contributing to the city’s growth even on the south side. Terminal
South is committed to maintaining its roots, as 95% of the businesses slated for
the area are minority-owned. Among them is Mindy Lopes’ floral shop, reflecting 
her Honduran culture and offering a diverse experience to the community.

“We welcome everybody for sure. As a minority, it gives me the opportunity to represent
my culture and bring in the flavor, the Latin flavor from Honduras and giving some
of that to all the people,” expressed Lopes. Positioned near Atlanta’s Beltline 
and serving as the final stop on the city’s inaugural bus rapid transit line, Terminal
South brings hope to a community that was once deemed hopeless.

“Blessing, blessing, and more blessing to our community,” Jenkins concluded.