City studies revising or scrapping affordable housing location policy

Some newer developments in Charlotte include a mix of housing types and prices, like Renaissance West, which sits on the former site of the Boulevard Homes housing project. (David Boraks/WFAE)

The Charlotte City Council will vote next month whether to revise or eliminate the city policy on where affordable housing can be built. Officials say the policy is outdated, and conflicts with the council’s goal of adding more affordable units. Residents are being asked to comment at meetings beginning this week.

Charlotte's 2011 Affordable Housing Locational Policy was designed to steer more affordable housing to areas in blue, and away from areas that already have a lot of affordable units (pink). — Charlotte’s 2011 Affordable Housing Locational Policy was designed to steer more affordable housing to areas in blue, and away from areas that already have a lot of affordable units (pink).

City Housing and Neighborhoods Director Pamela Wideman, said the current policy is not working.

“It’s becoming the norm for city council to have to approve waivers for their own locational policy, particularly in areas that are gentrifying and that are in need of affordable housing,” Wideman said.

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