What is the Jay Street Development?

The proposed Jay Street development will provide 48 workforce/affordable housing units that will benefit residents of Chapel Hill/Orange County who earn at or below 30% to 80% of the county’s Area Median Income (AMI), which means households earning incomes up to $70,560/year will be able to occupy these units. In Orange County currently, 58% of all renter households are rent burdened, or pay more than 30% of their income in rent. As presently proposed, the community will consist of a mix of 1 – 3 bedroom units.

What are the benefits of this project and why is it a priority?

Community Home Trust and their partner, Taft-Mills Group, believes that the Jay Street parcel(s) represent a unique opportunity to develop much needed affordable/workforce housing for residents of Chapel Hill. As proposed, the Jay Street development will provide rents that will be deemed affordable to those who fall at/below 30%, 50%, 60% & 80% of Chapel Hill/Orange County’s AMI of $84,800.

In addition to providing rents that will be affordable within the market, the location’s close proximity to public transit will provide residents with a cost-effective alternative that directly reduces residents’ reliance on an automobile. In addition, the location is within walking distance of Umstead Park which will provide residents a valuable amenity that will help promote a more active lifestyle.

Securing housing that is both affordable and convenient to a resident’s workplace is a challenge to many. The proposed site’s proximity to numerous employment opportunities is a major factor that, in our opinion, will appeal to future residents and help ensure the long-term success of the community.

What will the total project cost?

The proposed project on Jay Street is expected to total approximately $8.9 million.

How can I learn more?

The Town of Chapel Hill will host a Public Information Meeting on February 15, 2024, from 5 to 6 p.m., accessible via Zoom. Visit the Town’s project website for more details about the project and information about how to join the meeting.

Visit our FAQ page for answers to common questions we receive about the project. We will continue to update the FAQ as more questions are submitted. If your question is not covered, please submit it for consideration to the FAQ page here.

If you have other questions regarding the project, please feel free to contact Taft Mills Group at (252) 916-2691 or by email at dustin@taftmillsgroup.com.

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