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Big River Community Land Trust outlines 42‑unit Avalon Drive affordable‑home proposal
Summary
At the Jan. 21 White Salmon City Council meeting, Big River Community Land Trust described a proposed 42‑unit Avalon Drive homeownership project, explained the CLT model (99‑year land lease, 120% AMI cap), and flagged funding and land‑cost challenges while seeking regional partnerships and land contributions.
Anne Medenbach, founder and board member of Big River Community Land Trust, and Executive Director Alicia Sherburn updated the White Salmon City Council on the nonprofit’s model and a proposed Avalon Drive development in Hood River. Medenbach said the land‑trust model acquires and stewards land long term while homeowners obtain standard mortgages and lease the land under a renewable 99‑year agreement, with household eligibility capped at 120 percent of area median income and typical land‑lease fees around $100 per month.
Medenbach described the Avalon Drive proposal as a 42‑unit affordable homeownership development currently in planning and funding phases, with construction anticipated to begin in 2027. She outlined the organization’s history (formed 2018, nonprofit status 2019, first executive director hired 2023) and noted completion of its first home in Hood River, which is under contract to an eligible family.
Council members asked about project scale, land leases, resale restrictions and equity. Council Member Patty Fink asked whether Big River could pursue smaller projects or integrate commercial uses; Medenbach said the organization can accommodate projects of varying sizes and noted mixed‑use components are permitted under the land trust model. Doug Rainbolt asked about land‑lease rates and homeowner equity; Medenbach characterized the land lease as similar to an HOA fee, with resale prices restricted to income‑eligible buyers and appreciation capped to preserve long‑term affordability.
Medenbach identified principal obstacles to scaling the model as limited funding, high land costs and organizational capacity constraints. She urged greater state and local housing funding, interjurisdictional cooperation, land donations and shared regional data on housing needs as pathways to expand affordable homeownership. Mayor Marla Keethler asked for sources for the area median income figures referenced; Medenbach agreed to provide a reference.
Next steps described in the presentation included continuing site and funding work for Avalon Drive and pursuing partnerships with housing authorities and local jurisdictions. No formal council action was taken on the project at the Jan. 21 meeting.
