At its Tuesday, March 4 briefing, Buncombe County Commissioners heard an update on the Coxe Avenue affordable housing project, which will create 206 units of affordable housing on county-owned property at 50-52 Coxe Ave.

Of the nine developers who submitted proposals, county staff have recommended the Raleigh-based firm, Harmony Housing Affordable Development, as partner — commissioners will vote on entering an unofficial partnership agreement with the developer on Tuesday, March 18.

If you need a refresher, here's some project details:

206 units (mixture of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units)
100% affordable with a majority of units for households making at or below 60% AMI
A ground floor of commercial space

The project is estimated to cost $74.5 million, with the county committing $9.8 million. The current proposed timeline estimates groundbreaking by early 2027 and completion by early 2029.

Housing a top priority

This project wasn't the only housing-related topic of the evening. The board also adopted its 2025 legislative agenda, with permanent housing solutions for people displaced by Helene listed as a top priority — the county is advocating for a block grant model so funds from the state can be dispersed as quickly as possible. The county also proposes that the state potentially deed underutilized, state-owned land to create permanent housing, citing space in Swannanoa and Woodfin.

Appropriations priorities include a request for additional state funding for state employees and reimbursement for the state-mandated school consolidation study. See the full agenda.