Asheville affordable housing development approved by planning board; 75% to be affordable

ASHEVILLE - A new, mixed townhome and single-family development has moved forward in its approval process, with a bonus that the development has the goal of being 75% affordable.

Just off of New Leicester Highway, a nearly 11-acre plot of land is set to see the addition of "Pentland Hills," a 69- unit development, which aims for affordability in purchasing townhomes and single-family units.

The development was proposed by Mountain Housing Opportunities, an Asheville-based nonprofit community development corporation whose mission is to build and improve homes with a focus on affordability.

Despite the goal of affordability in one of the most expensive housing markets in North Carolina, the development saw some negative feedback during the Feb. 14 Buncombe County Board of Adjustment meeting. The plan site is just outside of city of Asheville limits, requiring that the county review the project.

The development is one of several that have come from the nonprofit in recent years, with another Asheville development planned for a parcel near Tunnel Road. The Tunnel Road project has the goal of being 100% affordable.

How affordable will they be?

At least 75% of the homes will be sold to low-income families, according to planning documents, meaning that around 52 of the homes will be sold at affordable rates.

In planning documents, MHO defines lower-income families as those who at least earn less than 80% of the area median income.

In 2023, Asheville's median area income for one person was reported to be $59,500 through the Asheville Area Median Income index. Those earning 80% of the area median income earn $47,600.

Home prices in Asheville have steadily risen over the last few years, outpacing national prices. In 2023, Asheville's median home sale price was $485,000.

Fair market rent for the area has increased 78% since 2019. Fair market rent is determined by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Board member Katherine Morosani noted the development is "a necessary housing component that we need in Buncombe County."

According to development documents, six homes at the new development will fall under MHO's Self-Help Homeownership program, where qualifying families are brought together to work on the construction of homes with the help of an MHO supervisor.

More: Where's the cheapest rent in Asheville? Fair market rent up 78% in five years.

County erosion control? Safety concerns?

Prominent criticisms of the development included density and safety, where some board members took issue with a lack of safety and amenities for those living in the development.

Mike Summey, a local landowner, was granted standing during the Board of Adjustment meeting, where, among other concerns, Summey claimed erosion from the development might damage the foundation of a building on his property.

Engineer Eric Hutchinson from Brooks Engineering Associates noted Buncombe County has planning requirements regarding erosion, which will be addressed after the development leaves the Board of Adjustment.

Buncombe County planning services include a stormwater management program in which county staff work with developers to fulfill county stormwater management requirements.

As developments seek approval, a stormwater management plan is developed with the county. Plans must include designs and computations of "piping, drainage structures, retention/detention ponds, and permanent erosion control measures," according to the county stormwater ordinance.

On a second vote, the board narrowly approved the development 4-2, with board members Joel Mazelis and Carol McCrory voting in opposition.

Board member Joel Mazelis voted against the development due to the lack of sidewalks and improvements for locals.

"I'm going to go out on a limb and say there are going to be a few kids," Mazelis said, noting the lack of sidewalks may produce a dangerous situation for children living at Pentland Hills.

Carol McCrory said reducing the unit count by one, to 68-units, would change her vote if the developer "guaranteed us that."

MHO Homeownership Program Manager Joe Quinlan said they could cut the size of the development by one, but further cuts may not allow them to target the affordable housing market. It also "doesn't guarantee there's enough space to make a playground," Quinlan said.

Board member David Weinstein initially voted against the development but decided to vote in favor despite wanting a safer space for children. Weinstein noted the "unfortunate" situation where families may not be able to move to the area if housing isn't provided.

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Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at WHofmann@citizentimes.com. Please help support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville affordable housing development approved; 75% affordable