Housing and Community Development – August 20, 2024

Housing and Community Development Committee Meeting Recap – August 20, 2024

On August 20th, the Housing and Community Development (HCD) Committee met virtually to discuss ongoing initiatives aimed at addressing housing needs and fostering community development within Asheville. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents interested in learning more about these important issues.

Focus on Permanent Supportive Housing at River Ford Parkway

The primary focus of the meeting was a proposal to develop 113 units of permanent supportive housing at the former Ramada Inn, located at 148 River Ford Parkway. This project, spearheaded by Friendship for Affordable Housing in partnership with Stormfield Capital, would provide housing and supportive services to veterans and individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. The plan includes Overbrook Management for property management and Homeward Bound to provide on-site supportive services. The project is seeking $1.5 million in funding, originally approved in 2021 and extended to provide four years of supportive services. While the Continuum of Care (COC) board recommended that City Council authorize funding, contingent on addressing identified issues, the HCD Committee itself did not take a formal vote.

Concerns and Considerations Regarding the River Ford Parkway Project

Committee members engaged in a robust discussion surrounding the proposal, raising important concerns. These included Homeward Bound's capacity to provide services given recent leadership changes and questions about the financial sustainability of the project, particularly regarding projected costs for security and property taxes. Several community members also voiced concerns during public comment periods, focusing on similar themes of security, financial risks, and the need for greater community engagement. Callum Davidson from Friendship for Affordable Housing assured the committee of their commitment to addressing these concerns and working collaboratively with the community.

Reviewing Past Successes & Planning for Future Affordable Housing Initiatives

Beyond the River Ford Parkway project, Sasha Vertunsky, Asheville’s Affordable Housing Officer, presented an overview of the 2016 affordable housing bond. This review highlighted the significant success of the bond, which has funded 776 homes, many of which are completed or currently under construction. The Housing Trust Fund was identified as a particularly effective use of bond funds. Looking ahead, the committee discussed plans for a $20 million affordable housing bond in 2024, aligning with the city's newly developed affordable housing plan.

What Happens Next? Key Action Items & Dates

Several key actions were identified as a result of the meeting:

• City Council Briefing: City staff will present an update to Asheville’s City Council on September 10th, before they consider a vote.
• Community Outreach: Friendship for Affordable Housing will conduct outreach to neighborhoods surrounding the River Ford Parkway project.
• Financial Review: The committee requested further details on the financial model and potential risks associated with the River Ford Parkway project.
• COC Oversight: A staff-led working group, comprised of COC board members and project partners, will provide ongoing oversight throughout the development process.
• Data Collection & Strategy Refinement: The city will continue to gather data and refine its overall affordable housing strategies.

Why This Matters to You

The discussions surrounding the River Ford Parkway project and future affordable housing initiatives demonstrate Asheville’s commitment to addressing critical housing needs within the community. While challenges and concerns were raised, the committee’s focus on thorough review, financial viability, and community engagement reflects a dedication to responsible decision-making. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these developments and participate in future discussions as the city works towards creating more affordable housing options for all.