Anyone with a passing interest in metro Atlanta development has probably noticed the trend of churches offloading underused properties and sanctuaries for different uses. But did you know there’s a term for it? 

According to Alpharetta-based residential developer Parkland Communities, a recent transaction with a Snellville church is an example of a “YIGBY”—that’s “Yes In God’s Backyard”—collaboration between congregations and for-profit builders in the metro and beyond. (National publications and Harvard University have also taken note of the YIGBY “movement,” which can offer “benefits for religious groups, including a compelling alignment with a moral imperative to serve the unhoused and financially distressed,” per Harvard’s Student Policy Review.)  

YIGBY deals between churches and developers are part of a broader, pro-development YIMBY philosophy—that’s “Yes In My Backyard”—that favors transforming underused property to address housing shortages. 

Parkland has purchased almost 9 acres from Snellville Community Church for redevelopment just south of Snellville’s nine-building The Grove at Towne Center, a placemaking municipal project. The sales price wasn't disclosed. 

Snellville Community Church's property in relation to Main Street and the city's nine-building The Grove at Towne Center project, as shown when under construction. Google Maps

Snellville Community Church's frontage along Main Street, as seen in November. Google Maps

Parkland’s plans call for building 140 build-to-rent townhomes and a 14,000-square-foot commercial building on former church property off Main Street/U.S. Highway 78, a popular route between Atlanta and Athens. 

Dubbed “Bethany Park,” the mixed-use, missing-middle housing venture will become another “example of a growing trend in urban and suburban development, where churches partner with residential developers to transform underutilized land into much-needed housing,” per a Parkland announcement. 

Bethany Park is one of three land purchases Parkland finalized in the waning days of 2025—all for the purpose of building more townhomes in Snellville, which development officials described as a “magnet for growth.”   

Example of a Parkland Communities' BTR townhome project in nearby Lawrenceville. Parkland Communities

The other townhome projects include Stonehaven Park (95 for-sale units set for 10.8 acres near Stone Mountain, priced from the $200,000s) and Brookwood Green (64 for-sale units on 8.2 acres at 2791 Stone Mountain Highway, priced from the mid-$300,000s).

“Snellville continues to attract families and professionals who want convenience, quality, and connection,” said Jim Jacobi, Parkland president, in a statement. “These projects allow us to deliver missing middle homes in a high-demand area at new home price points not available in the market. This will help first-time buyers and new residents put down roots in Gwinnett County.”

Overview of Parkland's three recent land purchases in Snellville for new townhome ventures. Parkland Communities

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