Town and Gown Work Together Toward Blight Eradication in Lynmore Estates
Macon, GA --- Mercer University students enrolled in Paul Lewis Christian Ethics class paired with neighborhood youth canvassed the streets of Lynmore Estates on October 28, 2013 to assess blighted structures. In this initial session, the teams completed surveys on properties on Dorothy, Roy, and Marion Avenue. The project led by neighborhood revitalization coordinator, Dr. Sundra Woodford included an orientation with Kim Nerger with the City's Economic and Community Development Department and a greeting from Lynmore Estate's Neighborhood Watch President, Carrie Redmond. Students will resume the assessment, November 13, 2013. Another group of students from this Christian Ethics class is conducting online research with executive director, Harold Tessendorf to identify and cite the best practices for blight eradication as evidenced by other municipalities.
Macon Area Habitat for Humanity (MAHFH) is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, an ecumenical Christian housing ministry devoted to ending substandard housing. MAHFH was founded in Macon in 1986 to serve Bibb and Jones counties, partnering with families in need to build them simple, decent houses, with affordable, no-interest mortgages. MAHFH has committed itself to revitalizing the Lynmore Estates neighborhood in south Macon; commonly known as the Peach Orchard. To date, MAHFH has served 96 families, with 46 of that number emanating from the Lynmore Estates neighborhood.
