Habitat for Humanity of the NRV to Construct 11 Affordable Townhomes on Airport Road in Blacksburg

Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley (NRV) is set to develop and sell 11 new townhomes on Airport Road in Blacksburg, Virginia. This project builds on the success of a similar development on Church Street, utilizing the same attractive and cost-effective design.

 

About the Development

The site, acquired by Habitat from the Blacksburg Fire Safety Foundation, seeks community benefit from the property. The townhome development will feature two rows of townhomes, with six units on the north side and five on the south side, serving as residential infill in a neighborhood primarily comprised of single-family homes.

 

The two-story craftsman-style townhomes will each feature three bedrooms and will be built with a focus on accessibility and visitability:

• Four units will be adaptable for residents with disabilities or seniors. They will feature a master bedroom and full bath on the main floor, designed for "Aging in Place."•

• The remaining units will meet the "visitable" homes standards, ensuring they are accessible to people with mobility challenges.

 

The community will include a central green space for recreation and gatherings, additional backyard open spaces, and a walking trail connecting to the nearby Dehart Street Tot Lot Park. Designated parking will be provided in a shared lot at the rear of the property, with two on-street handicap-accessible spaces.

 

Sustainable and Affordable Housing

Committed to sustainability, Habitat intends to build these townhomes to EarthCraft standards or the ICC 700-2020: National Green Building Standard (NGBS). However, an official EarthCraft certification may not be sought to keep costs affordable.

 

These homes will be offered to prequalified households earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income. Based on HUD’s 2024 adjusted HOME income limits, Habitat could serve a household of one earning $56,200 or less, a household of two earning $64,200 or less, a household of three earning $ 72,250 or less, and a household of four earning $80,300 or less. Homebuyers will receive counseling and will not pay more than 30% of their income on mortgage costs.

 

Ensuring Long-Term Affordability

These homes will be subject to provisions administered by the New River Home Trust, LLC (NRHT) to ensure they remain affordable for future generations. Placing the land under a 99-year renewable ground lease with the NRHT removes the land cost from the purchase price, making the homes more affordable for low- and moderate-income buyers. In return, homeowners agree to sell their homes in the future to another qualified buyer at a restricted price, ensuring long-term affordability.

 

The Airport Acres neighborhood offers an ideal location for these townhomes, within walking distance of schools, childcare centers, shopping, and public transit, providing both accessibility and convenience for future residents.

 

This project represents a significant step toward increasing access to affordable housing in Blacksburg, aligning with Habitat for Humanity's mission of building safe, decent, affordable homes for all.