News Summary
Raleigh is embarking on the Cottages of Idlewild project aimed at increasing affordable housing options amid rising costs and rapid growth. This initiative, supported by local development groups, seeks to build 18 affordable housing units catering to low- to moderate-income families. Community leaders stress the importance of integrating development with community needs to combat displacement and protect residents. The Cottages project is expected to complete within 16 months and addresses a pressing housing crisis in the region.
Raleigh Launches Cottages of Idlewild Project to Address Affordable Housing Shortage
Raleigh, NC — Community activists have announced the development of the Cottages of Idlewild, an initiative aimed at increasing affordable housing options amid the city’s rapid growth and rising housing costs. This project, led by local development groups and land trusts, represents a strategic effort to combat a significant housing shortage and prevent displacement of low- to moderate-income families.
Community Engagement and Planning
Recently, a gathering hosted by the community activist organization Livable Raleigh drew several dozen attendees, including prominent local figures such as former Mayor Charles Meeker and Wake County Housing Authority Chair Yolanda Taylor. The event focused on discussing strategies to protect and expand affordable housing in Raleigh, emphasizing balanced growth, community engagement, and responsible development policies.
Yolanda Taylor underscored the importance of integrating development with community needs. She highlighted how Raleigh’s explosive growth over the past three decades has visibly impacted residents and neighborhoods, making affordable housing preservation a critical concern. Meanwhile, Charles Meeker, who served as mayor from 2001 to 2011, spoke about the need for growth that is both dense and reasonable, cautioning against unchecked development that could disrupt established communities.
Both leaders emphasized the necessity for more affordable housing options, alongside market-rate developments, to meet increasing demand driven by population growth and economic expansion in the region. They stressed that future policies must align with community interests to foster sustainable development.
The Cottages of Idlewild Project Details
The Cottages of Idlewild project recently broke ground as a partnership between Raleigh Raised Development and the Raleigh Area Land Trust (RALT). The initiative plans to construct 18 affordable housing units, including 14 ownership homes and four rental apartments.
Designed to serve families earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income, the homes are projected to be priced around $145,000. This price point aims to provide accessible ownership opportunities in contrast to Raleigh’s current median home price, which was reported at $434,000 in July. This stark difference underscores the affordability crisis confronting many residents.
p>The homes will adopt the Community Land Trust (CLT) model, a strategy that helps ensure long-term affordability. Under this model, residents will own their homes but lease the land at a minimal cost, preventing market speculation and ensuring the units remain affordable across generations.
Community Significance and Backstory
The Cottages of Idlewild project carries cultural and historical importance, honoring Idlewild, one of the earliest African American neighborhoods in Raleigh. The name pays tribute to the neighborhood’s legacy and its contributions to the city’s history.
One of the project’s co-developers, LeVelle Moton, who is also the head coach at N.C. Central University, has personal ties to the Idlewild community. His involvement reflects a broader effort to give back to underserved communities and preserve their identities amid ongoing development pressures.
Constructed over a period of approximately 16 months, the project also aims to counteract gentrification and displacement in the area. To foster community pride, individual units will be named after local elders and community leaders, symbolizing respect for local history and contributions.
Addressing the Broader Housing Crisis
The development initiative is part of a larger effort to tackle an acute shortage of affordable housing in Raleigh and across North Carolina. According to recent data, the state faces a need for approximately 760,000 new housing units to meet current demand. In Raleigh alone, the shortage is estimated at about 50,000 units.
Many households in Wake County spend more than 30% of their income on housing, a common threshold for affordability. Mayor Janet Cowell highlighted this situation, stressing the importance of initiatives like the Cottages of Idlewild to support residents at risk of displacement and housing insecurity.
Future Outlook
The Cottages of Idlewild project is expected to be completed within 16 months. Its successful execution is viewed as a vital step toward expanding affordable housing opportunities and fostering equitable growth within Raleigh. Local leaders and community members see it as a model for sustainable development that respects and preserves the city’s diverse history and neighborhoods.
Overall, the project demonstrates a committed effort to address Raleigh’s housing crisis through community-centered solutions, innovative land trust models, and mindful urban planning, aiming to ensure affordable homes for current and future residents.
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Additional Resources
- ABC11: Community Members Discuss Affordable Housing Options
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- NC Newsline: Raleigh Basketball Legend Breaks Ground on Affordable Housing Development
- Google Search: Affordable Housing Raleigh
- WRAL: Raleigh’s First Affordable Cottage Court-Idlewild
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- Multi-Housing News: Avanti Residential JV Teams Up on Raleigh Affordable Housing Development
- Google News: Raleigh Affordable Housing
- CBS17: Hundreds Attend Raleigh Groundbreaking for Cottages of Idlewild
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing Initiatives
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
