Nonprofit outlines 20-home ‘Solace’ community for Pineville, targeting workforce buyers

A Central Oregon nonprofit told the Crook County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 6 that it plans to build 20 affordable, energy‑efficient homes in Pineville under a community land trust model.

Amy, representing Thistle and Nest, said the Solace community will consist of shared‑wall townhomes (one side 3‑bed, the other 2‑bed) with screened covered parking and fenced yards. The units are being built to Earth Advantage Platinum standards; staff are also exploring solar grants to reduce resident energy costs.

She said buyers will be households at or below 80% of area median income, with two units targeted to households at or below 50% AMI through a partnership with Heart of Oregon’s YouthBuild. After state subsidy, Amy estimated effective sale prices in the Pineville development between $185,000 and $225,000. The nonprofit will retain ownership of land in perpetuity and sell homes under a shared‑equity deed restriction; land-lease fees are set at $50 per month.

Amy described how Thistle and Nest uses 0% silent second loans as down‑payment assistance that do not accrue interest and transfer to subsequent buyers to preserve long‑term affordability without reducing appraised neighborhood values.

Commissioners and staff asked questions about outreach, local preference constraints (fair‑housing rules prevent strict local‑only requirements), and the project’s start and completion timeline; Amy said construction would begin in March and conclude by June 2026. The board encouraged targeted local outreach to connect prospective buyers to the wait list.

Next steps cited by the presenter include finalizing site plans, pursuing grant funding for solar, and increasing local outreach to fill the wait list.