After several years in development, the project has cleared state environmental regulations, and work is now moving forward on the new affordable housing site on Sawmill Hollow Road just outside Burnsville.
Sawmill Village will consist of 26 small homes ranging from 450 to 650 square feet to be constructed in an enclave surrounding a multipurpose community building. The commons building will house laundry, exterior storage, and a community meeting room. There will be single-level dwellings with vaulted ceilings for seniors and persons with disabilities.
According to Northwestern Regional Housing Authority, who is in charge of the project, the program is designed to target low-income elderly and disabled individuals as well as small families living in dilapidated pre-1975 mobile homes. Financing includes commercial and state advantaged loans, a Yancey County grant for infrastructure, a seller’s partial donation, a major grant from Dogwood Health Trust and member and sponsor donations.
Rental affordability is assured through a commitment to federal rental subsidies by the Northwestern Regional Housing Authority. The assistance available through NRHA will assure that resident households pay no more than 30% for rent and utilities.
Construction design and engineering are fully completed with applicable permitting in place. An official a “groundbreaking” ceremony with some State officials and Funders is expected for mid October.
NC HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
22% or 1,646 households in Yancey County are cost-burdened.
37% or 463 renter households have difficulty affording their homes.
19% or 1,183 homeowners have difficulty affording their homes.
Yancey County ranks #95 for evictions among renter households.
11 homeowner families faced foreclosure.
35 families renting faced eviction filing.
The Fair Market Rent for Yancey County is $856. The hourly wage needed to afford fair market rent is $16.46.
Fair Market Rent has increased 11% over the last year, and 26% in the last five years.
