NarrativeSlide #1 –
This western boundary of Carolina Beach Road has been somewhat slower to develop than the western frontage – I
believe primarily due to the lack of public utilities. The upside of that, is that land value may perhaps be somewhat
more affordable to offset the costs that a developer must spend to provide service. These are just some of the factors
that contribute to the potential for home affordability.
Slide #2 –
The Comp Plan acknowledged the full depth of these under‐utilized tracts in its designation of the community mixed‐use
place‐type. Based on direct access to a major arterial road, and proximity to a wealth of shopping, other commercial
services and recreational opportunities, moderate‐density home development is the most logical transitional use for the
subject properties.
Slide #3 –
This excerpt from the recent Housing Needs Assessment for New Hanover County shows the projected gap for a full
range of home prices and associated income levels of owner affordability. This project is proposed for a level at the
second highest need.
Slide #4 –
The County’s policies for growth encourage safe and affordable housing to be available to every citizen. Townhome
communities such as this are in demand due to lifestyle preferences, affordability factors and proximity to services. The
proposed project is for 48 attached single‐family homes. This is an R‐5 zoning district request, at just 8 units per acre, a
modest density for the location. Although we had a quite narrow development tract to work with, the structures are
mixed between clusters of two and four units per building for a more interesting streetscape. The duplexes are
designed to have the master bedroom downstairs, an attractive feature for the more aged demographic. All homes are
2‐story, with a 1 car garage. That allows each home parking for three vehicles, and some extra spaces are provided for
guests. 6’‐high solid fencing will serve to screen and buffer this “attached‐home” community from the adjacent
properties. Landscaping will include vegetation along the buffer yards, nicely planted foundations around the units and
street trees along the access drive. Maintenance responsibility by the homeowners’ association will guarantee upkeep
and sustainability of the common areas.
Slide #5 –
This exhibit is the general architectural style intended. Alternative roof‐types, material variations and color schemes will
add interest to the overall aesthetics of the community.
Slide #6 –
This project is being spearheaded by the Wilmington Realtors Foundation, a non‐profit organization committed to
addressing the need for affordable housing in our community. I’d like to introduce Jodi Wainio to summarize their goals
for this venture and how they are committing to achieving them.
… we have committed to conditions of approval that sale of units within this project will meet the price criteria for the
81‐120% Area Median Income (AMI) range as defined by the US Dept of Housing and Urban Development, adjusted for
household size, and that restrictive covenants will be created to assure owner occupancy, thereby restricting investment
or short‐term rental.
We appreciate both the staff and Planning Board recommendations for consistency, and hope this Board will grant us
the final entitlement to move forward with our vision.