News Summary
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has voted unanimously to negotiate with Harmony Housing for the development of 206 affordable housing units in downtown Asheville. This project aims to provide much-needed housing options across various income levels, including specific units for extremely low-income residents. The proposal reflects the county’s commitment to addressing housing shortages and improving community living conditions.
Exciting News for Asheville: Affordable Housing Development Approached!
Asheville is buzzing with excitement after the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners made a big decision regarding the future of affordable housing in the city. On March 18, they voted 7-0 in favor of negotiating with Harmony Housing, a Raleigh-based company, for the development of 206 affordable housing units right in downtown Asheville.
The Location Paves the Way
The new housing units will be built on county-owned properties situated at 50-52 Coxe Ave. This prime location is sure to offer residents not just homes, but a vibrant community atmosphere. Discussions about converting these properties into affordable housing started as early as 2023, showing that the county is eager to tackle the growing need for affordable living options. Last summer, a wave of proposals flooded in, with the county receiving a total of nine from various developers, all vying for the chance to take part in this transformative project.
Why Harmony Housing?
So, what led to Harmony Housing being the chosen developer? They stood out from the crowd by focusing on maximizing the number of multifamily units, and incorporating essential features like parking and commercial spaces, making them a solid fit for the downtown area. The proposal not only aims to provide high-quality housing but also includes community-driven elements, promising a well-rounded living experience for future residents.
A Mix of Income Levels
Among the 206 proposed units, there’s a plan to provide a variety of living arrangements, featuring one, two, or even three-bedroom options. Here’s the icing on the cake: eight units will be specifically set aside for extremely low-income residents. Those earning at or below 20% of the area median income (AMI) – which translates to about $13,087 or less for an individual – will have access to these essential homes. Additionally, forty-one units will cater to those earning up to 80% AMI, or about $52,350 for an individual. And for many, the highlight is that a whopping 110 units will be allocated to households earning 60% AMI. With these plans, many in the community may soon find much-needed relief from the housing crisis.
A Project Born from Determination
The projected budget for this endeavor sits at approximately $74.5 million. This bold investment in the community showcases a dedicated push to resolve Asheville’s housing challenges. The county aims to produce at least 1,500 affordable rental units by 2030, underscoring their commitment to addressing the current housing shortage.
More Opportunities on the Horizon
But wait, there’s more! Buncombe County is exploring additional county-owned locations to create even more affordable housing opportunities. Sites under consideration include 30-80 Valley St., 180 Erwin Hills Road, and a large-scale 645-unit development on Ferry Road. Each of these locations has the potential to further contribute to the county’s goal of creating accessible housing for all residents.
A Partnership for a Better Tomorrow
As the next steps unfold, the county will negotiate with Harmony Housing to establish clear responsibilities, milestones, and a start date for the project. Alongside this, the county is actively reviewing a draft action plan concerning the use of $1.4 billion in federal Community Development Block Grant funds aimed at housing recovery and resilience after Tropical Storm Helene.
The developments ahead in Asheville are certainly something to look forward to, as the county’s commitment to affordable housing takes a firm step forward. With the wheels in motion, the community can definitely expect a brighter and more inclusive future for everyone looking to call Asheville home.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Harmony Housing to Build 206 Affordable Units
- ABC45: Affordable Housing Units in Asheville
- WLOS: Asheville Unveils Affordable Housing Plan
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Google Search: affordable housing asheville
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.
