Big River Community Land Trust previews 42‑unit Avalon Drive affordable homeownership project
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Summary
Big River Community Land Trust told the White Salmon City Council it is planning a 42‑unit Avalon Drive affordable homeownership project in Hood River and outlined the land‑trust model, eligibility capped at 120% AMI and a renewable 99‑year land lease to preserve long‑term affordability.
Big River Community Land Trust founder and board member Anne Medenbach and Executive Director Alicia Sherburn updated the White Salmon City Council on Jan. 21 about the nonprofit’s model and a proposed Avalon Drive development in Hood River.
Medenbach described the community land trust approach, saying the nonprofit acquires and stewards land long term while homeowners buy homes with conventional mortgages and lease the land. She said eligibility for ownership would be capped at 120% of Area Median Income and that affordability is preserved through a renewable 99‑year land lease that restricts resale to income‑eligible buyers and caps appreciation.
Medenbach outlined the organization’s recent history, noting it formed in 2018, gained nonprofit status in 2019 and hired its first executive director in 2023. She said the trust completed a first home in Hood River that is under contract and is now planning Avalon Drive, a proposed 42‑unit affordable homeownership development currently in the planning and funding phase with construction anticipated to begin in 2027.
Councilmembers asked how the land‑trust model handles smaller projects and mixed‑use elements. “We can accommodate projects of any size, including small developments, and mixed‑use components are permitted under the land trust model,” Medenbach said. She added that the land lease functions similarly to a homeowners association fee, “typically around $100 per month,” with an additional reserve contribution to cover common expenses.
Councilmember Doug Rainbolt asked about homeowner equity under resale restrictions. Medenbach replied that resale prices are restricted to income‑eligible buyers and appreciation is capped to maintain long‑term affordability. David Lindley asked about legal considerations for gifted public land; Medenbach said the Hood River example involved clearly documented public‑benefit findings and city‑level parameters.
Councilmembers and Medenbach discussed funding and capacity challenges, including high land costs and limited organizational capacity, and identified opportunities in increased state and local housing funding, land contributions and partnerships with housing authorities. Mayor Marla Keethler thanked the presenters and said the city looks forward to continued partnership.
The presentation did not include a formal Council action; presenters agreed to provide references for the Area Median Income figures Medenbach cited.