Local group offers affordable housing alternative as city drafts ‘Code Refresh’

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A local group is offering a solution for residents looking for affordable housing as the city of Richmond continues drafting its plans for “Code Refresh.”

On Tuesday, March 31, local housing advocacy coalition “Homes for All Our Neighborhoods,” hosted a press conference highlighting how to keep residents in the city -- creating more affordable single-family homes or duplexes. The event included representatives from Richmond Metro Habitat for Humanity, Maggie Walker Community Land Trust, Better Housing Coalition, Project: Homes and Housing Opportunities Made Equal.

Executive director Tom Fitzpatrick said they must be made no more than 1500 square feet and create more homes with less costs.

“More than 50% of the city are renters and that's where we have to think about land use differently,” Fitzpatrick said. “We don't want folks that are living in naturally occurring housing to be displaced, but we also don't want houses to be taken down and then only allow for McMansions to be built.”

The event also showed a duplex home made by Project: Homes valued at $235,000 and restricted to buyers at 80 percent of the median income.

“This is not a new idea,” said Vice President of Affordable Housing Marian Cake. “We've been building houses that look just like this in Richmond for 150 years.” 

Under Richmond city’s ordinance, creating a duplex requires a special use permit which can take six to 12 months.

First time homeowner Cassandra Harris recently worked with Richmond Metro Habitat for Humanity to purchase her first home. She called the opportunity a dream come true.

“I have a son. He's 14, and I want to have a nice home for us to live in and grow in and just relax and be happy and to ourselves. We can have cookouts and parties for family and Bible studies. Just our own. Instead of paying all that money for rent,” Harris said.

Coalition leaders sent a letter to the city about these ideas and said they haven't heard back regarding their thoughts.

8News also reached out to the city and are waiting for a response.