COVINGTON Ga. – Dirt is moving on a 55-unit townhome community in Newton County as a local developer noticed a gap in the affordable home market locally.

Local Developer Kippy Clarke is leading the charge on the townhome community named Townhome Estates, on South Dearing Street, in Covington.

Clarke said it is good timing for this project because the local economy is moving forward and the short supply of housing in the area.

Clarke has partnered with Tonya Bullard, owner of Pinnacle Realtors, to be the real estate agent of choice on this project. Tonya can be reached for floor plans, pre-qualifying, price and mortgage information at bullardtonya@yahoo.com or www.pinnaclerealtorsga.com.

Townhome Estate townhomes will include brick and stone accents, spacious rooms, 3 beds/3.5 baths, separate dining rooms, granite countertops, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances and more.

Bullard said the townhomes are each approximately 1,700-square-feet and prices start at $164,900. The builder will pay all closing costs with the preferred lender.

Also included in the community will be golf cart paths, walking trails, pavilion and play area.

Clarke has also broken ground across the street from the townhome site on a 55-and-older adult community, which will include 75 senior cottages.

Clarke said these types of homes are good for the community as the town grows.

“We need to have more home choices to fit all of our lifestyles,” he said.