In December 2010, the City of Hapeville submitted an Application for Opportunity Zone Designation with the Department of Community Affairs. Local governments undertaking redevelopment and revitalization efforts in certain older commercial and industrial areas were eligible to apply for the designation. The DCA considers designations for areas that are within or adjacent to a census block group with 15% or greater poverty, where there is evidence of underused or vacant properties and other conditions exist, and where an urban redevelopment plan exists.
In May 2011, the City of Hapeville was awarded Opportunity Zone Designation in the following primarily commercial corridors/subareas:
- Sylvan Springdale (north and west of I-85, south of Atlanta, and east of East Point)
- North Dogwood (state route 19/41)
- Central West (N. and S. Central Avenues, and Willingham Dr., west of downtown)
- Downtown
- Central East (inclusive of properties on N. Central Ave. east of Dearborn Plaza)
- Virginia International
- Aerotropolis-Atlanta