Church-Owned Land Could Help Fill Affordability Gap
According to a survey for the Pew Charitable Trusts conducted last September, a majority of Americans back a range of zoning initiatives that would increase housing availability and affordability. Such policies will be necessary to address the spectacular shortage of approximately 4 to 7 million homes nationwide.
One solution could be founded on utilization of unused and underused land owned by churches and religious groups. Local governments and real estate developers have forged partnerships with faith-based organizations that own a total of 2.6 million acres of land across the U.S.
It's part of a new movement called YIGBY (Yes in God's Backyard) that could create more than 800,000 new housing units. The effort has gained legislative traction in states as diverse as Virginia, New York, California and Colorado.
Among hurdles facing those who would like to build new affordable communities is a mountain of red tape dictating what and where new properties can be built. This includes restrictive land-use covenants and zoning ordinances. 'In the midst of today's economic downturn and heightened partisanship, tapping into creative partnerships with public, private and civic entities is essential to solving the housing availability and accessibility [issue]
'At the cornerstone of these efforts stands faith-based and religious institutions, which own 2.6 million acres of land across the country, but are often unclear on how to unlock the potential of this real estate. The Northview Housing Development exemplifies how religious organizations, developers and municipalities can unite under shared values to spark responsible development and create much-needed housing.'
When complete, Northview will feature 254 workforce residences to be offered to working and active seniors in North Davidson County, Nashville. 'By partnering with Born Again Church and Urban Campus and Core to construct this new living environment on the church's campus, we are not only expanding housing access but uplifting North Nashville's livability and cultural foundation,' Nicholson says.
Borough of churches
It makes sense church-owned land has assisted creation of affordable housing in Brooklyn, N.Y. After all, Brooklyn has been nicknamed the Borough of Churches since the 19th Century, owing to the many churches and religious institutions in the borough.
The heart of Downtown Brooklyn is the site of Maxwell Downtown Brooklyn, a 40-story mixed-income high-rise built on land owned by The Archdiocese of Brooklyn by The Michaels Organization through a partnership with Triangle Equities.
To be developed on the stie of the ministries' former office building, Maxwell Downtown Brooklyn will designate 40% of the building's units as affordable. Plans call for the residential tower to be complemented by a 20,000-square-foot community ministry center for the St. Boniface Parish. Amenities offered at the building will include 24-hour concierge, community kitchen, fitness center and indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge.
'As a staple of the Downtown Brooklyn community for over 150 years, the church cares deeply about the neighborhood, working with our team to ensure that the community's needs are being met by this development beyond housing,' says Brett Goldman, executive vice president of leasing for Triangle Equities. 'It was truly a privilege to partner with the church to develop its new space within the Maxwell as it continues to serve the residents of Downtown Brooklyn.'
Rock solid
Another example of the phenomenon is Village at Solid Rock, a 77-unit affordable development in Colorado Springs, Colo., where rents extend from $700 to $1,400 a month, according to renters' household incomes. Being developed through a partnership between Commonwealth Development Corp. and Solid Rock Christian Center, Villages at Solid Rock will offer residents access to a playground and fitness center as well as services to include homework help, financial literacy education, job search and family living skills delivered by property manager Greccio Housing.
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