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City partners with Pitt Community College to build three affordable homes; council approves $200,000 allocation
Summary
The city approved a memorandum of understanding with Pitt Community College to construct three affordable single-family homes using college trade students; council allocated $200,000 toward the approximately $450,000 project budget and approved related budget ordinance amendments.
The Greenville City Council approved a memorandum of understanding with Pitt Community College to pilot construction of three affordable, energy-efficient single-family homes, using trade students and instructors for on-campus construction before relocating the units to a site near Davis and West Sixth Street.
Neighborhood Business Services Director Tianna Berryman described the project as the first pilot under the city’s 50-in-10 West Greenville affordable-housing initiative. The units are planned to be about 1,300 square feet, energy efficient and include safety features, Berryman said. Construction on the college campus is expected to follow the academic calendar; staff said they anticipate breaking ground in August and completing on-site construction with homes available for sale by July 2026.
Dr. Maria Farr, president of Pitt Community College, said the project converts training into community impact: trade and construction students will build houses they know will be sold to local buyers.
Council approved a staff recommendation authorizing the city manager to enter into and modify the MOU as necessary and to allocate $200,000 to the program. City staff said the total anticipated project cost is about $450,000; funding commitments mentioned in the meeting were: the city $200,000, Greenville Utilities Commission $75,000, Pitt Community College expected to match $75,000 pending board approval, ECU Health $25,000 and $75,000 from private sources.
Council adopted budget ordinance amendment number 11, which included an increase of $450,000 to the affordable housing fund tied to this project, among other amendments approved that evening. The amendment passed 6-0.
Berryman and college leaders discussed outreach and public engagement ideas, including a “build-cam” so the community can view construction progress online, and a potential fall groundbreaking event tied to the college schedule.
The MOU and funding approval are intended as a pilot to be replicated if successful; staff said funds will be reinvested to scale further development and workforce development opportunities.
