During a recent government meeting, Mac Carpenter provided a comprehensive update on several affordable housing projects currently in various stages of development. The Bristol development, located across from Christian International and Vision Church, is set to deliver 408 units, including 82 income-restricted units, within the next one to two months.

Following this, the Encore development at Ramsey Branch is under construction with 258 units, of which 52 will be income-restricted for households earning 120% or less of the area median income. These units are expected to be available in approximately 12 months. The Botanic apartment development, situated on the former golf garden site, will feature 321 units, including 65 income-restricted units, with a projected completion timeline of 18 months.

Another significant project, the Sand Bar or First Level Local Act project, will provide 330 units, with 40% designated as affordable housing, translating to 132 income-restricted units. This project is anticipated to be completed in about 24 months. The Gullsby Road Apartment Complex, recently named Bowman, is still in the pre-construction phase and will include 10% income-restricted units.

Additionally, the Arcadia apartment development, which recently received approval, will consist of 352 units with 20% income-restricted, yielding 71 affordable units. The EMF project, located at the intersection of US 331 South and County Road 32, has been approved but is still awaiting building permits.

The Kings Crossing project, a Live Local Act initiative straddling Highway 20, will feature 284 units, with 40% income-restricted, amounting to 114 affordable units. This project is currently under joint review by the City of Freeport and the county.

Carpenter noted that while several projects are progressing, it will likely take 18 to 24 months before the income-restricted units become available. Committee member Melissa requested the inclusion of Osprey Ponds, an 88-unit redevelopment project on JD Miller Road, which will also feature 40% income-restricted units. This project is still under review, having transitioned from a hotel approval to long-term rental apartments.

The meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to address affordable housing needs in the area, with multiple projects in the pipeline aimed at increasing the availability of income-restricted units.