Saving South End: City, county leaders debate funding for historic area

The Charlotte City Council approved money on Monday to help preserve one of Charlotte’s historically Black neighborhoods.

The city is going to spend millions of dollars to create more affordable housing in the Brookhill Village neighborhood located in Charlotte’s South End area. The group behind the proposal has already knocked down dozens of units because they were in such bad shape.

Now, the city is expected to pledge $3.5 million to renovate the last 100 standing units.

PREVIOUS STORIES:

• New plan in works that could save Brookhill Village affordable housing

• Company takes over development of affordable housing community near South End

• ‘Complicated’: Development for affordable housing near South End runs into setback

• City leaders agree to provide Brookhill up to $3M from Housing Trust Fund

• Affordable housing at Brookhill Village redevelopment hinges on public funding

The historic community has provided affordable housing since it was built in 1949.

If approved, the money would cover new roofing, air conditioning units, and new windows. It would also help cover real estate taxes, the remaining cost of demolition, and support subsidies to keep rent low.

Last month, neighbors told Channel 9′s Anthony Kustura the work is desperately needed because they can’t afford to go anywhere else.

“Whatever you’re paying now will be doubled or three times more than that,” George Butler said.

“The structures were just weak and old and rotted, there’s been so much weathering,” Deidre White said.

The company developing the property also requested another $3.5 million from Mecklenburg County. With all $7 million is approved, a third-party nonprofit would manage the housing.

(PREVIOUS: New plan in works that could save Brookhill Village affordable housing)