Charlotte leaders test new strategy to combat affordable housing crisis

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Families in need can't find affordable housing in Charlotte and because there's not a lot to choose from.

The most recent data from Charlotte Housing Authority states the city is suffering from a deficit of roughly 34,000 units right now.

Charlotte native Angilo Robinson said he's watched new development push out too many of his neighbors.

"The prices are going to get too high, and (there) won't be any more Cherry community," Robinson said.

It's an example of the type of housing trend City of Charlotte Real Estate Division Manager Tony Korolos said is hurting lower income families. He said the home-buying rate has dropped five percent in the past 10 years, pushing demand for rentals.

"There are more renters. Renting prices are going higher and higher and there are needs, strong needs for affordable housing,” Korolos said.

Now, the city is testing a new strategy to meet that need.

Real Estate and Housing Divisions are partnering to identify city-owned property that could be a good fit for affordable housing.

Below are the 8 properties being reviewed:

So far, they have identified eight pieces of land. Now developers are assessing the potential of each lot.

Leaders point to land in the Cherry community as an example of how the process would work. The city sold a piece of property on Baxter Street to a developer at a deep discount. In exchange the developer will build 30 affordable housing units.

It may seem like a small number but leaders said that 30 subsidized units in an area where new homes are selling for more than $500,000 is progress.

"That's very significant the Cherry neighborhood has gentrified, that type of development will allow people who need affordable housing to remain in the Cherry neighborhood,” Deputy Director of Neighborhood and Business Services Pamela Wideman said. "The more affordable housing they build up-the better off everyone will be," said Robinson.

Korolos said the city is hiring a think tank to develop criteria to assess which properties could be used for affordable housing.

Leaders said they need the entire community to solve the housing problem.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• Man accused of killing Shelby officer in custody in Rhode Island
• Animal intestines line the highways of Charlotte
• Elementary school teacher shot during South End robbery, CMPD says
• Union County Uber driver assaulted during home invasion
• Emotions run high as fallen officer takes final ride to Shelby 

Cox Media Group