A dream of providing more affordable housing options in Goldsboro that began roughly four years ago became a reality on Friday.
A ceremonial ribbon cutting was held at Central Garden Apartments, a new affordable housing apartment community, located at 3222 Central Heights Road.
North Carolina House Majority Leader John Bell was in attendance to present a ceremonial Workforce Housing Loan Program Check. The development of Central Gardens was made possible in part by a historic $190 million appropriation made by the NC General Assembly last year to the state’s Workforce Housing Loan Program.
“Projects like this are key,” Bell said. “They put people in a house where they can prosper but they also help our community grow. Like the saying is, good things come to those who wait. We’ve waited, and this is a beautiful facility. I’m looking forward to seeing it fill up with happy residents who are going to help our community grow.”
Developed by MC Morgan and Associates, Central Garden Apartments helps to address the shortage of affordable apartments in Wayne County, where 53 percent of renters are cost-burdened, paying more than 30 percent of their income on rent.
“Goldsboro is not unique,” Goldsboro mayor David Ham said. “Every city in the United States needs affordable housing. This property here and the housing it’s going to provide for our citizens is much needed, and it’s so much appreciated.”
Central Garden was awarded funding by the NC Housing Finance Agency in 2020 to provide 80 apartment homes affordable for working families. After pandemic-related construction cost increases, supply chain disruptions and labor shortages stalled Central Garden, a $2.97 million loan from the WHLP appropriation enabled construction to resume by going directly into the construction and lowering rents.
Statewide, the $190 million Workforce Housing Loan Program appropriation kick started the construction of 77 stalled developments with more than 5,100 apartment homes. These investments will provide much needed housing for working families and seniors on fixed incomes.
“This historic appropriation will expand housing options for working families all across our state,” said Scott Farmer, NC Housing Finance Agency Executive Director. “We are grateful to the General Assembly for recognizing and addressing the housing shortage facing thousands of hard-working North Carolinians.”
Central Garden offers apartments ranging from one, two and three bedrooms with energy efficient appliances and washer and dryer hookups. The community also has a laundry facility, business center, playground, clubhouse, fitness center and a covered picnic area.
For more information on Central Garden Apartments, call (336) 454-6134.
