Town purchases former plant site for affordable housing

EDENTON — The town of Edenton has purchased 11.6 acres as part of a plan to provide affordable housing in the community.

The land, located at 262 Coke Avenue, is the site of the former Chowan Veneer plant, which was demolished in 2007.

The purchase has been a goal of the Edenton Chowan Educational Foundation, which is better known for its work supporting teachers and school activities. However, Edenton Public Information Officer Tyler Newman said the organization has always viewed having affordable housing as crucial for fostering better schools.

“The Educational Foundation, for those unaware, is one of the greatest champions of Edenton-Chowan Schools,” Newman said in a statement. “Because of its mission to raise awareness of school needs and gain support for teachers and students — via financial aid, manpower, and scholarships — we hope they will continue to be a vital asset and partner to us in the years to come.”

Newman said the project has been decades in the making. Town Council approved $60,000 last fall to purchase the property, which it closed on last week. He said the purchase reaffirms the council’s intent to pursue more affordable housing options within the community.

The Educational Foundation has stated in the past that it sees a lack of affordable housing in the community as a hindrance to teacher recruitment for the schools.

“On behalf of the town of Edenton, we are delighted to take part in this endeavor, and to partner with our educational leaders to make it happen,” said Mayor Hackney High. “We have always supported our public schools, and this purchase of $60,000 toward our affordable housing goals will directly support the mission of the Educational Foundation, which in turn benefits our schoolchildren.”

No specific plans were announced regarding what type of housing might be built on the site.