Asheville, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Asheville residents are invited to a meeting regarding a proposed affordable housing project on North Louisiana Avenue. The development aims to include approximately 90 affordable apartments with various unit types. This initiative is part of Asheville’s broader efforts to address the housing crisis, which includes additional projects across the county. Community engagement is crucial as city officials plan for a significant increase in affordable housing options in the coming years.
Asheville residents and property owners near North Louisiana Avenue are invited to a neighborhood meeting regarding a proposed affordable housing project aimed at addressing the ongoing housing crisis. The meeting is scheduled for 5 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 20, at the southeast corner of Hazel Mill Road and North Louisiana Avenue. This meeting is part of the Unified Development Ordinance, which requires notification for those living or owning property within 400 feet of the potential development site.
The proposed project will consist of approximately 90 affordable apartments housed within a single building, featuring a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. In addition, the project plans to include onsite parking with access from North Louisiana Avenue, as well as various internal amenities and leasing offices.
In a broader context, Buncombe County Commissioners are advancing new affordable housing development on Coxe Ave. in downtown Asheville. This project will include 206 affordable housing units intended for families earning 80% or less of the area’s median income and will require a portion of Sawyer Road along Coxe Avenue to be closed. The estimated total cost for this Coxe Avenue project is $74.5 million, and commissioners are expected to finalize an agreement with developer Harmony Housing during their meeting on March 18.
Habitat for Humanity is also making strides by dedicating homes to three families on Oct. 16, as part of their initiatives to tackle the housing crisis exacerbated by Hurricane Helene. Currently, approximately 23,000 households in Buncombe County devote over 50% of their income on rent, highlighting emerging challenges in the housing market.
Mountain Housing Opportunities supported over 2,000 households in 2024 amidst the strained market, while plans for affordable housing developments continue to progress with seven additional projects in the pipeline across Western North Carolina. In a recent approval, the Asheville City Council sanctioned the construction of 126 affordable housing units on 10 acres off Brevard Road along Pine Lane on Feb. 25.
Significant funding has been secured for these efforts, with a total of $10.4 million coming from city and county resources earmarked for housing developments. The City of Asheville has ambitions to build 14,000 housing units over the next 25 years. In this emerging landscape of housing initiatives, deed restrictions will ensure that the affordable apartments remain accessible for 30 years, targeting residents earning 60% and 80% of the area median income (AMI).
A $20 million general obligation bond for affordable housing was approved by citizens in November 2022, providing additional funding opportunities for various projects. Groundbreaking for the new construction projects is anticipated this winter, with a typical completion timeline from groundbreaking of 18-24 months.
Key Features of the Proposed Affordable Housing Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Southeast corner of Hazel Mill Road and North Louisiana Avenue |
| Number of Units | Approximately 90 |
| Types of Units | 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom |
| Parking Access | Onsite parking with access from North Louisiana Avenue |
| Development Context | Part of broader affordable housing initiatives in Asheville |
FAQ
What is the purpose of the community meeting scheduled for October 20?
Residents and property owners near North Louisiana Avenue are invited to a neighborhood meeting about a proposed affordable housing project.
What will the proposed affordable housing project consist of?
The proposed project will consist of approximately 90 affordable apartments housed within a single building.
What is the cost of the new affordable housing development on Coxe Ave.?
The estimated total cost of the Coxe Avenue project is $74.5 million.
How many housing units does the City of Asheville plan to build in the next 25 years?
The City of Asheville aims to build 14,000 housing units in the next 25 years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Buncombe County Commemorates One Year Since Hurricane Helene
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Asheville City Council Approves Major Infrastructure Recovery Projects
Asheville Community Takes Action Against Invasive Species
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Asheville Incident Causes Road Closure and Power Outage
Buncombe County Advances Ferry Road Development Project
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Additional Resources
- 828 News Now: Neighborhood Meeting for Affordable Housing
- WLOS: Habitat for Humanity in Buncombe County
- AVL Today: Mountain Housing Opportunities
- WLOS: Buncombe County Affordable Housing Plans
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
