Charlotte City Council deferred a record-breaking Housing Trust Fund request amid concerns over the Brooklyn Village project’s financial viability and prolonged delays.
By Jack Beckett | The Charlotte Mercury
cltmercury.com
The Brooklyn Village redevelopment project, long touted to rectify Charlotte’s past urban renewal missteps, encountered significant resistance during the recent City Council meeting. The developers’ request for $13.5 million from the Housing Trust Fund—the largest in the fund’s history—was met with skepticism and ultimately deferred.
Council members expressed concerns over unresolved financial gaps, unclear coordination among stakeholders, and the project’s prolonged delays. Councilmember Malcolm Graham remarked, “Proceed with caution… I’m not optimistic about the development team based on 10 years of reading news clips.” He further suggested that the developers should take the initiative in convening discussions rather than relying on the city to address their challenges.
The proposed funding aimed to support a significant affordable housing component within the broader Brooklyn Village redevelopment—a site historically substantial due to its past as a predominantly Black neighborhood displaced during the 1960s urban renewal efforts. Despite prior approvals and planning agreements, the latest proposal lacked detailed information on financing and risk-sharing among the city, county, and housing agencies.
Housing and Neighborhood Services Director Rebecca Hefner noted, “There are a couple of challenges outstanding with the project financials… we recommend deferring to allow for further evaluation among all partners.” The staff’s recommendation to defer was based on concerns that approving the $13.5 million request would nearly exhaust the city’s rental housing production allocation for the current cycle.
Councilmember Tiawana Brown emphasized the project’s historical significance, stating, “History is disappearing in this city… Brooklyn Village is historic. It needs to be done right, but it also needs to be done.” Councilmember Victoria Watlington expressed interest in revisiting the proposal in June but highlighted the need for alignment with the needs of Center City workers.
The development team, BK Partners—a collaboration between The Peebles Corporation and Conformity Corporation—has proposed changes to the project’s first phase, focusing on constructing 250 affordable housing units. The revised plan includes a mix of units for households earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income, with a 99-year affordability covenant and services provided by Inlivian. However, construction is not expected to commence until late 2025 or early 2026, pending approvals and financing.
As the city continues to address its affordable housing crisis, the Brooklyn Village project’s future remains uncertain, awaiting further evaluation and coordination among stakeholders.
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Jack Beckett
Senior Writer | The Charlotte Mercury
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