I’ve lived in Grove Park my whole life—more than 40 years—and long before anybody was talking about TAD money or “revitalization.” Back then, we just called it home. The streets were rough sometimes, sure, but there was pride here. Neighbors who looked out for each other, kids running from one porch to the next, and corner stores where the owner knew your name.
Then we started hearing about the “TAD.” Folks from the City of Atlanta—our elected officials and city staff—came to our rec center and schools with charts and PowerPoints, talking about Tax Allocation Districts like they were golden tickets. We attended meetings at Boyd Elementary School, Atlanta Fire Rescue Department Station 28, the YMCA Early Learning Center, and KIPP Woodson Park Academy.
I remember when the Bankhead corridor was vibrant. We had everything we needed: Grove Park Pharmacy, Citizens & Southern National Bank, a Big Star grocery store, and restaurants like Bankhead Seafood. Even a Kmart. But over the years, those businesses disappeared. Maybe the TAD money would help bring them back.
The Perry/Bolton TAD provides funding to the Grove Park neighborhood. It was created in 2002, and the first funding was distributed in 2014. The Hollowell/MLK and Westside TADs border the neighborhood.
As the years passed, we saw cranes go up closer to downtown. New apartments rose along where the Beltline runs through Grove Park; a coffee shop opened where an auto shop used to be.
The same folks from the city said, that’s TAD money at work. But for us, the changes felt far away. Our streets still flooded when it rained. Our sidewalks, if the streets had sidewalks, were still broken and crumbling.
The maps below are interactive.
Click on the circles to learn more about the projects in each TAD area.
The Perry/Bolton TAD was created in 2002 and is scheduled to close in 2041. In addition to the funding listed on the map, the following grants did not have a specific location.
- Northwest Atlanta Scattered Sites Land Acquisition, 2021, UO Catalyst LLC, Urban Oasis Development, Various addresses within Carey, Almond & Grove Park Neighborhoods, $2,600,000
- Bolton Road Infrastructure, 2022, City of Atlanta, Bolton and Riverside Neighborhoods, $1,705,000
- Bolton Road Street/Sidewalk Improvements, 2025, City of Atlanta, Bolton Rd, $1,705,000
- Security Cameras, 2025, Atlanta Police Foundation, Various, $123,200
The Hollowell/MLK TAD was created in 2006 and is scheduled to close in 2050. In addition to the funding listed on the map, the following grant did not have a specific location.
- MLK Streetscape Improvements/Hollowell, 2016, City of Atlanta, Peyton Place to Boulder Park Drive, $1,100,000
The Westside TAD was created in 1992 and is scheduled to close in 1928. In addition to the funding listed on the map, twelve grants did not have specific locations listed and were not included.
It’s not that I’m against growth. I’d love to see an actual grocery store here in Grove Park—anywhere we don’t have to take two buses to buy fresh food. I’d love for business owners I’ve known for decades to get a grant, instead of struggling to compete with fancy new businesses closer to downtown.
Some of my neighbors say TAD money isn’t meant for us; that it’s about making the city attractive to new folks moving in. Others believe we just have to keep speaking up, keep demanding our share, until the promises finally reach our side of Atlanta.
Me? I’m in the middle.
I believe the money could change things if it’s put in the right places: our schools, our businesses, our housing. But I’ve also seen enough to know we can’t sit back and wait. We have to show up at meetings, push the city, and remind them we’re here.
Because when they talk about “redevelopment,” they’re talking about our lives. And if TAD money is supposed to build the future of Atlanta, then that future has to include us.
The people who’ve been here all along.
Editor: Mariann Martin
Fact Checker: Ada Wood
Canopy Atlanta Readers: Brent Brewer and Genia Billingsley
I hope this story leaves you inspired by the power of community-focused journalism. Here at Canopy Atlanta, we’re driven by a unique mission: to uncover and amplify the voices and stories that often go unheard in traditional newsrooms.
Our nonprofit model allows us to prioritize meaningful journalism that truly serves the needs of our community. We’re dedicated to providing you with insightful, thought-provoking stories that shed light on the issues and stories that matter most to neighborhoods across Atlanta.
By supporting our newsroom, you’re not just supporting journalism – you’re investing in Atlanta. Small and large donations enable us to continue our vital work of uncovering stories in underrepresented communities, stories that deserve to be told and heard.
From Bankhead to South DeKalb to Norcross, I believe in the power of our journalism and the impact it can have on our city.
If you can, please consider supporting us with a small gift today. Your support is vital to continuing our mission.
Floyd Hall, co-founder
The post “We’ll see if that money ever makes it this far down the block.” appeared first on Canopy Atlanta.