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Board approves rezoning to advance Hitachi‑linked workforce housing; developers cite $4M infrastructure gap
Summary
The Board rezoned two parcels to industrial to facilitate a 136‑unit workforce housing project tied to Hitachi Energy’s expansion, but presenters said an estimated $4 million in sewer and water extensions remains the primary obstacle to construction.
The Halifax County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 9 approved rezoning two parcels from A‑1 (agricultural) to M‑2 (industrial) to clear a key step for a proposed workforce housing development intended to serve Hitachi Energy’s expansion.
Community Housing Partners and the Industrial Development Authority presented the project concept to the Board. Mr. Brian Brown provided an overview of the initiative and Mr. Andy Davenport, vice president of real estate development for Community Housing Partners, described a mixed‑tenure plan of about 136 homes: roughly 120 garden‑style apartment units and 16 duplex for‑sale homes, with amenities such as a clubhouse, playgrounds and a pool. The proposal targets households at roughly 80%–150% of area median income and estimates total development costs near $55–$60 million.
Davenport told supervisors the development already has several funding commitments, including $3.2 million from Virginia Housing’s Workforce Housing Incentive Program, $1 million from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Fund, $500,000 in seed money from SCRC, and CHP equity; permanent financing is projected at $27–$32 million with additional equity and DHCD funding sought. The presenters said the project will be phased, with an initial phase of 16 homes plus the first two apartment buildings aimed to start design work and move toward construction in 2027 with occupancy aligned to Hitachi’s hiring timeline in 2028.
The presenters emphasized the principal obstacle is extending sewer and water lines to the site, estimated at roughly $4 million. Davenport said engineered site plans and permitting remain critical near‑term milestones; the developer will initially cover engineering and architectural costs as part of its equity investment. Board members noted the project’s strategic importance for workforce supply but flagged financing, infrastructure and density approvals as issues the county and IDA must resolve.
Motion and vote: Supervisor Monte Thompson moved and Supervisor Keith McDowell seconded approval of rezoning parcels PRN 16534 and PRN 16535 from A‑1 to M‑2; the Board approved the rezoning unanimously (7–0).
What’s next: Staff and the developer said they will proceed to site engineering and site‑plan review; supervisors were informed that site plan approval and infrastructure funding are necessary to keep the project on schedule.
