Asheville Housing Committee Reviews Redevelopment Plans for Former Ramada Inn

Asheville’s Housing Committee Addresses Former Ramada Inn Redevelopment

In the heart of Asheville, North Carolina, the Housing and Community Development Committee met recently to discuss an important proposal that could significantly impact the community. On Tuesday, September 17, the committee gathered to evaluate a plan regarding the former Ramada Inn property, currently being eyed for redevelopment by the developer, Friendship for Affordable Housing.

The Plan Unfolds

Friendship for Affordable Housing is poised to close on the property on October 1, with the assistance of Stormfield Capital. Initially, the proposal included a plan for 50 units of permanent supportive housing. However, after gathering feedback from the community and the continuum of care, the plan was revised. The updated proposal now aims to provide 50 units of affordable housing targeted at individuals and families at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), alongside 50 units of permanent supportive housing designated specifically for veterans.

Necessary Modifications

During the meeting, Emily Ball, the Homeless Strategy Division Manager, emphasized that for the new plan to move forward, the city must modify the existing deed restriction on the property. This modification would allow the city to integrate affordable housing units into the redevelopment. With this new direction, Friendship indicated that they would no longer require the initial $1.5 million in city funds for supportive services.

Instead, the Asheville Housing Authority would oversee the provision of 50 units specifically for veterans and another 50 for affordable housing. The management and security of the property would be handled by Overbrook Management, while the Charles George VA Medical Center is set to provide on-site supportive services for veterans living there.

Committee’s Mixed Reactions

The committee’s discussions revealed a mix of opinions regarding the proposal. While the Continuum of Care Board had previously approved recommendations to modify the deed restrictions and allocate funding towards emergency shelters and supportive services, the committee itself refrained from making a recommendation on the deed modification. The reason? Conflicting views among committee members about the developer’s reliability.

Committee member Antanette Mosley expressed some reservations regarding the developer while highlighting her confidence in the veterans’ portion of the project. Her preference leaned toward having all units specifically designated for veterans, noting, “The more I can get to the VA portion…”

Funding and Future Steps

On the flip side, Councilwoman Sage Turner shared her enthusiasm over the development, pointing out that having a developer willing to invest $18 million independently in this project is a rare occurrence in city-led affordable housing ventures. However, her enthusiasm was tempered by the complexities associated with accommodating both veterans and families in the same housing space.

As the conversation continues, the city council is scheduled to make a decision on whether to modify the deed restriction at their next meeting on September 24. The outcome could set the tone for Asheville’s continuing efforts towards addressing affordable housing and supporting its veterans.

Looking Ahead

The rebirth of the former Ramada Inn as a mixed-use development offers a flicker of hope for many in Asheville who are seeking affordable living conditions. With the city grappling with housing challenges, community members and leaders are closely monitoring the evolution of this significant project, eager to see how it unfolds in the days ahead.