North Carolina Construction News staff writer
The City of Raleigh is taking steps to address its growing housing affordability challenges with the approval of two key affordable housing projects. On Nov. 6, the Raleigh City Council gave final approval to two major developments designed to provide more affordable housing for the city’s residents: one near Kent Road and another along the future Western Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route on Hillsborough Street.
The first project, located on Kent Road, will add 144 affordable housing units. This initiative is part of a long-term strategy to secure affordable housing in Raleigh. In 2023, the City Council authorized up to $6 million to purchase the land. Under the new agreement, the city will lease the property to Blue Ridge Atlantic (BRAD Parkside Apartments LLC) for just $10 per year, locking in affordable rents for the next 85 years.
“Affordable housing is a critical part of Raleigh’s future, and this project is one of several efforts we are making to ensure that our residents have access to quality, affordable places to live,” said Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin. The project is designed to serve households earning below the area’s median income, providing much-needed homes for residents who are struggling with rising housing costs.
Construction on the Kent Road development is expected to begin soon, marking an important step in Raleigh’s broader affordable housing strategy.
In a separate but equally impactful initiative, the City Council has also approved plans to create affordable housing along the future Western BRT route. The new BRT line, which will improve access to public transportation, will connect neighborhoods across Raleigh, making it easier for residents to reach key areas of the city.
In August, the City Council approved the purchase of two properties on Hillsborough Street for $2.55 million, using funds from the 2020 Affordable Housing Bond. These properties will be developed into affordable housing units near the future BRT line, ensuring that residents will have convenient access to rapid transit and enhanced mobility options.
“Integrating affordable housing with public transportation is an essential part of our long-term vision for Raleigh,” said City Councilor Nicole Stewart. “By locating affordable housing near the BRT line, we’re creating a more sustainable and equitable city for everyone.”
The purchase of the Hillsborough Street properties is expected to be finalized by December, paving the way for the development of new affordable housing in a prime, transit-connected location.
Both of these initiatives are part of Raleigh’s broader efforts to combat its housing affordability crisis. With a rapidly growing population and home prices rising faster than wages, city leaders have made it a priority to ensure that residents of all income levels have access to quality housing.
These projects are among several others in the pipeline as Raleigh continues to explore new ways to expand its affordable housing stock and meet the needs of its diverse and expanding population, the city says in a statement.
