Rocky Mount Council considers $50K support for East Haven Apartments phase 2 funding

Rocky Mount City Council has taken significant steps towards enhancing local housing and healthcare services during its Committee of the Whole meeting on March 24, 2025. The council discussed a funding request for the East Haven Apartments, which aims to expand its current 64-unit complex by adding 54 more apartments. The developers are seeking $50,000 from the city to strengthen their application for $14 million in tax credit funding from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. This investment is expected to leverage a total of $14 million for the project, which is projected to commence construction in the summer of 2026.

The council also reviewed a proposal from the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) for the renovation of the former Memorial Hospital site at 224 Rose Street. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive behavioral health and workforce development campus. OIC representatives highlighted the urgent need for expanded behavioral health services in Rocky Mount, noting that many residents currently have to seek care outside the community due to a lack of local facilities. The proposed campus will not only address these needs but also provide job training and support for various community members, including veterans and those re-entering the workforce.

The OIC project is anticipated to generate approximately 25 new jobs and will integrate healthcare services with workforce development, creating a holistic approach to community well-being. The council is expected to vote on these proposals in their upcoming meeting on April 14, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for housing and health services in Rocky Mount.