More Workforce Housing Becoming a Reality in Lavonia

Now that Clear Creek Communities has just about completed Phase 1 of the new upscale apartment complex in Lavonia, other area communities are interested in having them build similar complexes.

At the formal ribbon cutting, Wednesday, City and County officials from Lavonia, Franklin County, and Toccoa-Stephens County were on hand to see the development first-hand and get more information.

One of the barriers to further economic development in Lavonia and surrounding communities has been the need for more workforce housing according to City Manager Charles Cawthon who welcomed Wednesday’s ribbon cutting.

“Workforce housing is what we need. It’s been a roadblock for a while. We hadn’t been able to get over that hump but we’re so proud that we’re here, they’re almost ready to be open and this is going to be fantastic; not only for the industries but for the community at large,” Cawthon said.

Toccoa City Manager Billy Morse said they’re already in talks with Clear Creek Community officials. Morse said Toccoa needs this kind of workforce housing as well.

“Well first off we’re a City that believes in the region and we’re proud for Lavonia and Franklin County for getting a nice housing complex,” he said. “But it is also something that’s needed in Toccoa-Stephens County. We’ve already had some talks with Clear Creek and we’re hoping that they will be interested in doing a similar project in the Toccoa area.”

Morse said they have property along Highway 17 Currahee Bypass near the Haystone Industrial Park where they would like to have an apartment complex built.

Clear Creek Communities owner, Lovell Camp said Wednesday he fell in love with Lavonia from the first day he visited. Camp said Lavonia reminds him of his own hometown.

Phase 1 Clear Creek apartments are already about 70% leased.

An open house for the public to view the apartments and the campus is scheduled for April 1.