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

Housing & Community Development Committee Meeting Recap: May 5, 2026 – Addressing Housing Needs and Disaster Recovery

On May 5th, 2026, the Housing and Community Development (HCD) Committee convened virtually to discuss critical issues surrounding affordable housing development and the utilization of federal disaster recovery funds. Vice Mayor S. Antanette Mosley (Chair), Councilwoman Sage Turner, and Councilwoman Sheneika Smith were present for this important meeting. This recap breaks down the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for our community.

Prioritizing Multi-Family Housing & Supporting Single-Family Repairs: The primary focus of the meeting was how to best allocate Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds. After a robust discussion, the committee voted 2-1 to fully fund two significant multi-family housing projects: Terrace at River Hills (a 126-unit development) and District East Commons (a 93-unit senior housing development). Recognizing the ongoing need for single-family home repairs following recent storms, the committee also agreed to support the 319 Biltmore project. A crucial decision was made to reallocate funds from existing infrastructure and affordable housing bond programs to bolster the "Renew NC" program, which assists homeowners with repairs and reconstruction. This shift aims to address immediate needs while continuing progress on larger-scale developments.

Oak Hill Development Project Moving Forward: The committee also received an update on the Oak Hill development project, a 3.72-acre parcel in West Asheville slated for affordable housing. Eden Rock Builders has been selected as the development partner and plans to build 42 townhomes, with roughly half designated for low-to-moderate income families. While no decisions were made regarding the Oak Hill project at this meeting, a community meeting is scheduled for May 20th at the West Asheville Library to share more details and gather community input.

Balancing Needs & Limited Resources: A Key Debate: Council member Sage Turner raised a significant point during the discussion, expressing concern about prioritizing large-scale apartment developments over addressing immediate single-family home repair needs. She suggested exploring alternative local funding sources to support these crucial repairs, highlighting the complexities of balancing competing needs within a limited budget. This debate underscored the challenges faced by the committee in allocating resources effectively and ensuring equitable access to housing assistance.

What Happens Next? & How You Can Stay Informed: The committee's recommendations will now be presented to City Council for final approval in June. A substantial amendment to the CDBG-DR Action Plan will be required, including a public comment period. For those interested in learning more about the CDBG-DR program or the Oak Hill development, visit the city website. You can also attend future HCD Committee meetings (check the city calendar for dates) or listen to past meetings by calling 855-925-2801, meeting code 9791. The decisions made at this meeting directly impact our community's ability to recover from storms and expand access to affordable housing, making it a vital topic for all residents.

This recap aims to provide clear and concise information about the meeting's outcomes, ensuring that residents are well-informed about how their local government is working to address housing challenges and support community recovery.