Ayrsley Residents: The Battle is Back

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by Fox Charlotte

Story Created: May 17, 2011 at 11:17 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 17, 2011 at 11:17 PM EDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The battle is back, but this time around, the wind has been knocked out of their sails, says three year Ayrsley resident Shawn Widrick.  "I feel silenced as a voter and a citizen," says Widrick.

Last year, he and others convinced city council members to not issue a special waiver for The Housing Partnership's proposed affordable housing project on a five acre plot of land off Westinghouse Boulevard.  They cited the city's policy that limits clustering of affordable housing.  

Widrick says, "Now, less than a year later, they're coming back and saying we're changing the project, now it's for senior housing, but basically it's the same type of project."

"I think what we did was we got smarter and figured out, yes, elderly would fit here and that's what we designed," says Pat Garrett, the president of The Housing Partnership.  

An exemption in the housing locational policy includes the elderly and disabled.  Garrett says, "I've been here 22 years and it's been that way ever since I've been here."

The $10.7 million project, if approved by council, will break ground next summer. It'll be funded primarily through federal tax credits.

But residents like Widrick continue to question the use of this land, originally slated to serve underprivileged kids.  Garrett says, "We understand that...this was not exactly what the donor wanted, but what we'll do is, once we receive a tax credit allocation, that money will go back into purchasing another site for families."

Widrick says he's not sure there's much else residents can or will do to stop the development.  Only 15 people showed up at Tuesday's open house to learn more about the project, compared to standing room only crowds last year.

He anticipates that city council will approve the project this time around.  "So it is a bit frustrating and I feel, I don't want to say bullied, but I feel silenced," says Widrick.

The Housing Partnership says its goal is to provide decent, affordable homes for everyone.  It'll host drop-ins Wednesday, May 18th and Thursday, May 19th for people who want more information about the Westinghouse project.  The Housing Partnership's office is located at 4601 Charlotte Park Drive.  Drop in hours are 10 AM to 4 PM. 
 

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