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County commissioners approve plan to keep east Charlotte apartments affordable

CHARLOTTE — Mecklenburg County commissioners voted on a plan Tuesday night to keep some apartments in east Charlotte affordable.

The new owners of Peppertree Apartments learned Tuesday their $4 million request was approved, which is an additional investment from the county.

Earlier in September, the city council approved $8 million for the company to reconstruct the complex and keep it affordable. The goal is to keep residents in their homes instead of pushing them out.

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With support from the city and county, the complex owner plans to buy new roofing and replace old appliances, as well as make upgrades to the complex’s water, sewer and sidewalks.

Councilman Tariq Bokhari said supporting the projects will provide renters with opportunities for upward mobility.

“Unless you go and get the workforce provider for training, get the job that that person is going to go to, get the transportation, the food, the clothing, all the wrap around services, where these units become a place where folks go, are up skilled, and then they move on and they open up for someone else,” he said.

The complex will keep the same number of units -- 292, and 88 will be for people making 30% of the area median income. For households at or below 30% of the area median income, proposed rents would average between $390 and $465 a month.

One resident said he was at a loss for words when he found out what the county had planned for his neighborhood.

“Just thankful. Like, oh man, someone is listening. Affordable housing is something we need in this area,” he said.

(WATCH BELOW: Residents grateful city will preserve east Charlotte apartments)