Garnett sits close to the middle of two major economic development projects. The computer chip plant in Burlington and the Panasonic electric battery plant in DeSoto, are both within driving distance from Garnett. Attracting people to live in Garnett and commute to those plants could lead to growth in the city. However, that growth is dependent on a few different factors. A huge factor…affordable housing, and many think that Garnett and other areas in the region are lacking that. A recent housing survey by the Anderson County Development Agency found that Garnett, in particular, has a shortage of quality housing and rental housing.
The Development Agency could play a role, survey organizers say, in assembling a group of lenders and private partners for a Housing Development Fund to offer Gap Financing – interim financing for private contractors who would develop projects or housing lots, or even fund housing for those earning just over 80% of the area median income.
