DUBLIN, Ga. — Dublin's population continues to grow, with more big projects coming to town in the near future.
Earlier this week, 13 WMAZ reported Dublin's Housing Authority received $1,682,337 in a federal grant.
Dublin Housing Authority's Executive Director Brenda Smith said it came at a great time.
"More people are moving to Dublin if we're successful with our development efforts," she said.
They currently have 540 affordable housing units, but she said they need more as rent prices go up, and more companies move to Dublin.
Last year, South Korean auto parts company Hwashin announced they would build a new facility a the Georgia Highway 257 rail served site.
The Dublin-Laurens Development Authority told us they would eventually employ about 460 people, and being production in late 2025.
Smith said when she found out they received the grant, it felt like an answered prayer.
"Right now, we have a waiting list with over 200 people on it," she said.
On average, people wait about two to three years on the waiting list before an affordable housing unit becomes available. Smith said the major need right now is for single unit homes, which they have the least amount of. That's why they plan to build more units with the grant money, although she's not certain how many they'd like build yet.
She said they'd also like to modernize the current homes on the inside with new stainless steel appliances, and getting rid of the carpet.
They'd also like to do some work on the exterior of the units.
"An exterior that when you look at it, you will not be able to label it as low income housing," Smith said.
Judi Stanley lives in an affordable housing unit on West Mary Street, and she welcomes the changes because she said her kitchen is outdated.
"The caps they kinda hard to keep clean. But you know, which- we try to do the best we can," Stanley said.
She thinks a new exterior look can also help boost morale in the neighborhood.
"They'll keep their you know, their yards clean and everything. And you know, they'll respect it more," Stanley said.
Smith said they're excited to get to work, but they want to remind everyone that big projects like renovations and new builds will need time and patience from residents.