What is the new norm? It depends on who you ask, but the factors that affect housing remain the same: (1) suburban sprawl, (2) cost of energy, (3) the environment, (4) cost of land, and (5) creating housing for the workforce are agreed upon factors. This then takes us to the question of how to best develop livable, mixed-use developments that are not only in the right location, but address economic integration.
CEO’s for Cities provides a research-driven framework to address the many components that affect in-fill development; such as transportation policy, workforce housing and the impact that economic segregation (wealth moving to the suburbs - which in turn creates suburban sprawl – which affect transportation and education). Take a few minutes to read the “City Vitals Series: Economic Integration” to learn how infill development increases the possibilities for stable integrated neighborhoods.
Liveable Center Initiatives can help drive areas to become more desirable by creating action plans with a clear vision and collaborating with groups to accomplish a common goal.
One such area is Mableton, a town center located in south-central Cobb County. The Atlanta Regional Commission selected Mableton as one of the five LCI study areas. Since the action plan was adopted in 2001, Cobb County has implemented many of the action plan items to encourage redevelopment, including: (1) the zoning ordinance was revised to make this a redevelopment overlay district, (2) design guidelines were completed for residential and mixed-use development to assist with urban design decisions, (3) a commercial tax abatement program was approved to provide financial incentives.
Mableton is perfectly positioned for redevelopment with close proximity to highway access and revitalized areas such as Vining and Smyrna close by. Change does not come without challenges and perceptions but Mableton is committed to working together to overcome these barriers. While they can’t control certain issues such as the recent economic downturn and housing market conditions, plans are in place to improve the housing stock, transit access and public perception to public schools. The quality of homes has improved considerably with the development of many new residential developments. Plans are in place to build a new elementary school. The Cobb County DOT has undertaken the Mableton Park & Ride transit improvement project that includes parking, a bus shelter, light and sidewalks.
The Mableton Improvement Coalition (MIC), a non-profit 501(c)4 organization was created to promote quality growth through intelligent planning. This group works with elected officials and county staff to facilitate improvements in the area. While change does not come quickly, Mableton is working hard to make historic Mableton a pedestrian friendly community.
Having grown up in a small town where we walked everywhere to later in life living in Philadelphia the plans for Mableton are particularly appealing to me. Philadelphia is a great city and the perfect place to live for me. I walked to work and shopped for groceries on my way home. We walked to local restaurants, the Art Museum and so many other areas of the city with the biggest discussion being whether we even needed one car! (If the price of gas back then is what it is today, this would have been a no-brainer decision). I for one would love to see the revitalization of cities in Metro Atlanta. 
The study area to the left will be transformed into this beautiful community. Let’s encourage this type of development. 
Visit Cobb County Community Development to read revitalization plans for Mableton.
Contact me for property for sale in the area.
As a way to promote centralization of land opportunities I offer free ads on my website GA Land Connection. I believe that by providing a single source and information that is meaningful to prospective buyers we can improve the sales and marketing process and reduce the sales cycle. Why not give it a try; after all – it’s free. Visit the 
