Staff recommends administrative extensions for three Buncombe County AHSP construction awards

Unidentified Speaker 2, a county staff member, told the advisory group that the remaining construction awards from the FY25 Affordable Housing Service Program (AHSP) will be extended administratively to June 30, 2026, to address delays affecting project closings and early construction.

"All of the grant programs have been extended through 06/30/2026 given delays," Unidentified Speaker 2 said, adding that three projects remain in the pipeline and "we expect that over the next 6 months, we should see all 3 of these projects get started." Staff identified one project as Redwood Commons in East Asheville; two others were referenced in the transcript without clear, verifiable names.

Staff described the three projects as 9% tax-credit-type developments and recommended extending the awards so resulting units can be delivered sooner and more effectively. The staff update emphasized that the extension was processed as an administrative action at the staff level rather than as a formal motion at this advisory meeting.

Why it matters: Extending the closing and construction deadlines preserves funding eligibility for projects that have faced delays, reducing the risk that awards lapse before construction begins. Staff said the six-month extension also aligns with the county fiscal year and should provide sufficient time to finish loan closings and start construction.

Meeting actions: At this advisory meeting staff presented the update for transparency; no formal motion or vote was required to effect these staff-level extensions. The advisory body did approve the Nov. 4 meeting minutes at the start of the session and later adjourned; those two motions were passed on oral 'aye' votes.

Next steps: Staff will monitor closings and report back; if projects do not meet the adjusted timelines further action could be required.