Charlotte City Council To Vote On $12.4 Million Dollars For Affordable Housing Projects

Drew Bollea,

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte city council is one step closer to approving more affordable housing developments. The council is nearing a final vote on seven projects that’ll include an investment from the city of more than $12 million dollars.

“There is no quick-fix solution to how we get out of this,” said Councilman Malcolm Graham during last night’s meeting.

The Charlotte city council is facing a daunting task; increase the amount of affordable housing for the thousands of people struggling to keep up with rent and home prices.

“We’re still not doing enough under homeownership. I wish there was a way that we could use those dollars to really kind of spark plug that as well,” said Graham.

The city staff recommended:

  • 7 total projects
  • 1 Offers Home Ownership
  • $12.4 million dollars
  • 602 Units

The largest project will be on Forest Point Boulevard in  Southwest Charlotte. The plans call for 200 units with an investment from the city of $2.5 million dollars.

The only project slated for home ownership are 17 town homes built by Habitat for Humanity in East Charlotte.

“We see land scarcity as one of the major issues or obstacles to affordable housing in Charlotte. So this is a huge boom to us,” said Bob Glusenkamp.

He is the Habitat Vice President of Construction operations. WCCB spoke with him last month when the project was announced. He says each unit will be owned by the tenant and will include 1100 square feet,  two bedrooms and two bathrooms..

“Home ownership is one of the best ways to gain equity and then transfer wealth through the generations,” said Glusenkamp.

“Our citizens are hurting,” said Council member Renee Johnson.

According to the latest numbers, the city is still short 23,000 units. Johnson says the city needs to be taking bolder steps to address the issue.

“There is a crisis. There is a real crisis. People can’t not afford to live here. And it’s getting worse,” said Johnson.

The council will finalize the seven projects next week. It’ll take 18 to 24 months before the housing units are available.