The New Paradigm
Over the past decade, three realities converged to inspire Habitat to think in new ways about our role and approach in providing affordable housing. First, between 2001 and 2007, lot prices in our area rose dramatically, from $16,000 to $70,000 in Charlottesville, 13,000 to 60,000 in Albemarle County. Second, our localities began to more quantitatively define our local affordable housing crisis – revealing that not only are many in our rural areas living in sub-standard housing, but in our urban ring, nearly 1,500 families are on waiting lists for subsidized housing. And third, our area is a Mecca for the “green” housing revolution that is transforming the way that we think about the economics of building.
Habitat decided that it was time to address this affordable housing crisis with a new approach, and our New Paradigm was born. Our vision is to create affordable housing that responds to the tremendous need that exists in our community by building homes in a way that builds stronger, more lasting communities.
We are basing our paradigm on the following assumptions:
- higher density is the best economic model for affordable housing;
- truly affordable housing must be near jobs and public transportation;
- green building is more affordable over the long run for the families and better for the environment; and,
- mixed-income neighborhoods make better, more sustainable communities.
In line with this new paradigm, Habitat embarked on its first mixed-income community, located in the Fifeville neighborhood at the intersection of Paton & Nunley Streets. As of March 2010, we have built 12 Habitat homes and partnered to build two Workforce housing units, all of which meet EarthCraft standards. We are now finishing our first two homes to meet LEED certification. In December 2009, we broke ground on our first “Quadruplex,” and in the summer of 2010 will start the final four Habitat homes in Fifeville in a row house configuration. When completed at the end of 2010, this community will have 40 homes, including 24 owned by Habitat partner families, two workforce housing units, and 12 market-rate homes.
Sunrise and the New Paradigm
Sunrise Trailer Park will be the next step in the New Paradigm. When we purchased Sunrise, there were 16 occupied trailers on the premises. We promised those original residents that they could stay in the neighborhood. If eligible, they could become Habitat Partner Families. If not, we assured that we would provide them with an affordable rental.
Habitat is committed to the following project goals at Sunrise:
- create a vibrant mixed income community anchored by affordable units;
- create meaningful, useful open space;
- create culturally responsive architecture;
- celebrate the Sunrise Trailer Court and broader Belmont community;
- integrate environmentally sustainable practices at all levels of design;
- make the project “Habitat implement-able”; and,
- allow active participation through an inclusive design and construction process.
Habitat contracted with KG Associates to manage the development project for us. We did extensive neighborhood outreach, held a design contest for the development and the site planning, and KGA guided us through the PUD approval, which was achieved in November 2009. The PUD allows 60 units on the site, including Habitat homes, Habitat condos, affordable rentals, and market-rate homes.
Next steps include sale of market rate lots, build out of the neighborhood, and creation of Home Owner Associate (HOA) documents. KGA is a well respected commercial and residential developer that is effectively and efficiently guiding us through this lengthy process.
Replacement without Displacement
We plan to start construction on this community of up to 60 units of townhomes, apartments, condos, and single family detached homes early in 2011. Fundraising for Sunrise has now begun in earnest, and we invite the community to participate in what is becoming a national model for replacement of sub-standard housing without displacement of those living there.
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