ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Buncombe County Affordable Housing Subcommittee on Tuesday reviewed six proposed housing developments seeking funding through the county’s Affordable Housing Services Program, with staff outlining financing gaps and recommending limited or no support for several projects.

The special meeting, held March 31 at 30 Valley St., focused on new construction applications submitted earlier this year. County staff said the proposals collectively request more than $8.6 million in funding and would create a total of 655 housing units, most within Asheville city limits and one in Candler.

Staff told the subcommittee that 11 applications were originally submitted for the construction loan program, but five were withdrawn because of eligibility issues, incomplete materials or the need for further planning.

The six remaining proposals are expected to be considered for funding recommendations at a meeting in April.

Among the projects reviewed was Mossy Rock Terrace, a 72-unit development proposed in Candler. Developers requested about $4.3 million in county funding — roughly 20 percent of the project’s total cost — exceeding the program’s cap of 10 percent per project. Staff said the gap could be addressed through adjustments such as higher tax credit pricing, a nonprofit partnership to reduce property taxes or deferring more of the developer fee.

If those changes are made, staff said the subcommittee could consider recommending between $1.9 million and $2.3 million in funding.

Another proposal, District East Commons, would include 93 units and seek about $697,000 in local funding as part of a $26.4 million project. The development plans to use federal housing tax credits and other financing sources, though staff noted uncertainties tied to competitive funding streams and future refinancing risks. Staff did not recommend a funding commitment at this time.

The subcommittee also reviewed Niche on Hilliard, an 80-unit project focused on efficiency apartments for lower-income households. Staff cited gaps in the project’s financing plan and ineligibility for certain funding sources, concluding they could not recommend the project for funding based on current information.

Staff emphasized that projects not recommended could reapply in future funding cycles.

In addition to project reviews, staff presented updates on the county’s affordable housing goals. Buncombe County aims to create 1,850 rental units for households earning below 80 percent of area median income by 2030. So far, 236 units have been completed and 796 committed, leaving a gap of more than 800 units.

Officials said projects under consideration could help narrow that gap, though significant need remains.

The subcommittee also approved recommendations related to funding allocations for other housing developments, including projects on Coxe Avenue and Ferry Road, advancing them to the full Board of Commissioners for consideration as part of the county’s budget process.

Applications for another housing initiative — focused on supporting people experiencing housing instability and repeated incarceration — are due April 15, with $5 million in funding available, staff said.

The subcommittee is expected to reconvene in April to consider final funding recommendations for the projects reviewed Tuesday.