Charlotte City Council approves $1.5M land acquisition for affordable housing development

The Charlotte City Council convened on April 14, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items focused on housing development and land acquisition strategies. The meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance affordable housing options and leverage city-owned land for community benefit.

The first significant topic addressed was the development partnerships between the city and county, particularly concerning the Neighborhood Opportunity Area (NOA) subsidy program. Council members noted the potential challenges posed by multiple developments, including Hideaway Park and Woodford Estate, both of which have applied for rental subsidies under the NOA program.

Next, the council reviewed a proposal for transit-oriented development (TOD) land acquisition. The housing bond programming allocates $5 million for land acquisition in current and planned transit areas. A developer has requested $1.5 million to acquire a half-acre parcel on Trade Street, which is strategically located near the Gold Line. This development aims to provide 102 affordable housing units for families earning between 30% to 110% of the area median income. Notably, the project is designed as a carless development, incorporating innovative transportation solutions such as an electric bicycle share program and an off-site electric vehicle share initiative. The developer also plans to implement a healthcare empowerment program to support residents' health and economic mobility.

The council then shifted focus to the use of city-owned land for affordable housing initiatives. Staff members provided an update on the Real Estate Collaborative's efforts to utilize municipal land effectively. The city has adopted a more thorough approach to due diligence regarding land parcels, which has resulted in a slower but more strategic process. The council discussed a comprehensive land development strategy that involves collaboration with the county and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) to optimize land use for affordable housing and municipal facilities.

Three city-owned sites were put out for request for proposals (RFP), with two proposals recommended for approval. One notable proposal came from Camino CDC and True Homes for a site on Tyner Street, which is adjacent to the Camino Church and Health Center. This location is seen as a strategic opportunity to further the goals of the Camino CDC in serving the local community.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city council's commitment to advancing affordable housing through innovative development strategies and effective use of city-owned land. The council anticipates that these initiatives will move forward quickly, with further discussions expected in upcoming meetings.