Rescheduled: Housing and Community Development Committee (Virtual) (May 5, 2026)

Housing and Community Development Committee Meeting Recap – May 5, 2026

The City of Asheville’s Housing and Community Development Committee (HCD Committee) held a virtual meeting on May 5, 2026, focusing primarily on two key areas: the progress of the Oak Hill affordable housing development and recommendations for allocating Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to support housing recovery efforts. This meeting, accessible via the City's YouTube channel and available for listening to past meetings (code 9791), provided a crucial update on initiatives impacting affordable housing and disaster recovery within Asheville.

A significant portion of the meeting centered around the CDBG-DR funding, which aims to help residents recover from past storm damage. The committee faced the challenge of allocating limited funds amidst a high volume of applications, particularly for single-family home repairs and new multifamily housing construction. Following staff recommendations, the committee voted 2-1 to approve funding for two major multifamily projects: Terrace at River Hills (a 126-unit development) and District East Commons (a 93-unit senior housing development). Recognizing the need to also address single-family home repair needs, the committee agreed to reallocate funds from existing infrastructure programs and a portion of the affordable housing bond fund. This decision will require a substantial amendment to the CDBG-DR action plan, including a public comment period and final approval from City Council in June. A lively debate occurred regarding the balance between supporting large-scale apartment developments and addressing immediate repair needs, with Council member Sage Turner advocating for exploring alternative local funding sources to bolster single-family repairs.

Beyond the CDBG-DR discussion, the committee received an update on the Oak Hill development project in West Asheville. This initiative involves a 3.72-acre city parcel intended for affordable homeownership, with Eden Rock Builders selected as the development partner. The plan involves constructing 42 townhomes, approximately half designated for low-to-moderate income families. The project will combine with land already owned by Eden Rock, allowing for a larger development. A community meeting is scheduled for May 20th at the West Asheville Library to provide further details and gather community input. The committee will review the final financing structure and land transaction in June.

The meeting included a brief period for public comment, allowing citizens to address the committee directly. While specific comments were not detailed in the provided summaries, this opportunity underscores the city's commitment to citizen engagement. The committee also approved the minutes from their previous meeting on April 7, 2026.

Looking ahead, the HCD Committee has several important items on their agenda, including a review of the Housing Trust Fund Policy and the Home Repair Program. The upcoming public comment period for the CDBG-DR substantial amendment is a key opportunity for residents to voice their opinions on how disaster recovery funds are utilized. For more information, citizens can visit the HCD Committee webpage or contact Stephanie Gilliam at [email protected]. The committee's decisions will significantly impact the availability of affordable housing and the city’s ability to recover from natural disasters, making these meetings vital for residents seeking to understand and engage in local government.