TIFTON — With a newly acquired CHIP grant, the City of Tifton hopes to expand on affordable housing for their residents.

City manager Emily Beeman announced at the Nov. 6 city council meeting that the city had been approved for funding through the 2023 Community HOME Investment Program grant.

Beeman explained that planning and zoning director Crystal Gaillard and city clerk Jessica White had submitted an application to the state Department of Community Affairs to take advantage of the funds set aside for the CHIP grant, and had managed to secure around $400,000 for the city.

This funding is planned to be put toward the development of eight owner-occupied houses in an area within the boundaries of Hartley Avenue, U.S. Highway 82, 17th St, and South Central Avenue, Beeman reported.

The city will also spend up to $50,000 rehabilitating the planned area.

Mayor Julie Smith was proud that they would be improving that sector of the city, reflecting on the fervent efforts of late councilman Johnny Terrell to do the same, most notably advocating for owner-occupied housing.

She lamented that Terrell was not with them in person to see his hard work come to fruition, but was confident he was with all of them in spirit.

Terrell’s wife, Diane, was invited up for a commemorative photograph with the city council members, as well as Gaillard and White to thank them for their hard work in securing the grant funds.