The plan commission recommended zoning changes paving the way for the $32-million project in November, but Atlanta-based Atlantic Realty Partners' proposal failed to advance out of a city council committee last month.

Atlantic Realty president Richard D. Aaronson has told the plan commission he is talking with the Winnetka, IL-based Interfaith Housing Center about working with the group on finding 10 potential tenants who would receive 25% rent discounts. However, with monthly rents ranging from $1,300 to $2,800 for the one-, two- and three-bedroom units, the offer has come under fire from city officials and residents. Plan commissioner Douglas Doetsch is among those who do not consider the discounted rents affordable.

Meanwhile, Aaronson says a real estate tax attorney hired by Atlantic Realty estimates the project will generate nearly $500,000 in additional revenue. He counters arguments by Doetsch and others by saying affordable is defined by the local market.

Also, some have questioned whether the building will eventually be converted into condominiums. Aaronson has responded by saying his company is in the multifamily rental business.