Get in the Zone

With politics as polarizing as ever, it is rare to find bipartisan votes around economic development. Yet, the Charlotte City Council unanimously approved zoning for multiple affordable housing projects. Since the recent Zoning Hearing, City Council has encouraged developers to add ten affordable housing units to a proposed mixed-use development at Kenilworth Avenue and Pearl Way in Midtown. Five of the affordable units are reserved for families making 60% or less of the AMI and the other five reserved for 80% AMI or less. Council approved the rezoning unanimously. Any effort to approve and build affordable housing is a win for the rental housing industry.

They also unanimously approved a rezoning petition for the development of one hundred apartment units on three acres off Arrowood Road. 70% of the residential units are reserved for households earning up to 80% of AMI for a period of no less than 20 years. This tremendous effort to provide essential housing for low-to-moderate income families is exactly how lawmakers should tackle affordable housing. Charlotte’s migration boom is a secret to no one, and city leaders have a responsibility to keep this city affordable for all their residents. By working together and finding common ground, our leaders are putting their residents first and doing what is best for their community.

Charlotte City Council continues to understand the needs of their citizens and support the rental housing industry. Let us applaud their unanimous efforts to approve affordable housing and encourage developers to do the same. It is safe to say, they understood the assignment.