Richmond’s housing crisis: Southside development to offer income-based housing

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The housing crisis in Richmond has lingered for years, but new proposed, Southside apartments near the Swansboro area are aiming to change that.

“We’re thrilled not only for the new housing but also for something aesthetically pleasing,” said Swansboro resident Casey Flores.

Developers with Tennessee-based company Elmington , unveiled plans for 266 units spread across three buildings. They will only be available to those who earn up to 60% of the area median income.

“The aim has been to create more affordable housing for folks who are making right about 60 to 80% of that area median income,” said fifth district Councilwoman Stephanie Lynch. “Folks are feeling the crunch of ever increasing rent and cost of living, and so the city is really trying to be forward thinking.”

Lnych was actually the only city council member who voted against the development, but the vote was almost unanimous with an eight to one result. She said it had nothing to do with affordability, but because the area has already been through many ups and downs with developments.

“We also have to plan for density, and that means getting the necessary traffic infrastructure improvements and those safety improvements ahead of the ahead of time,” she said.

Community members echoed her worries at a meeting on Monday, but they say developers and the city listened.

“It was actually encouraging, because when the City Council approved it they said, ‘We need to do everything we can, to be to make sure that the residents here will be able to access the bus stop’,” said Flores.

Flores said developers combatted concerns with ideas like bridges, sidewalks and speed tables.

A construction date has not been set.

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