THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 23, 1995 TAG: 9508230506
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY ANNE SAITA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CURRITUCK LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
A 44-unit apartment complex - a rarity for Currituck County - is a step closer to becoming a reality.
The Currituck County Board of Commissioners on Monday evening unanimously granted a special use permit to Sea Haven Construction of Kitty Hawk to build a $2.8 million apartment complex on 18.4 acres near Griggs Driving Range in Powells Point.
The vote was preceded by an hourlong discussion that included questions about eligible tenants and their impact on county services, particularly schools.
At a public hearing two weeks ago, the apartments were hailed by economic development proponents as affordable housing for young professionals hoping to live and work in Currituck County.
The county has very few apartment buildings on its mainland, which officials have said impedes business and industry recruitment.
Developer Laural Run Management Group of Kentucky maintained Monday that its Wild Geese Landing would not be low-income housing.
But at least one commissioner questioned the group's target rental market, which requires income ceilings of $16,750 for a single household and up to about $27,000 for a family of six to qualify.
``I don't know too many young executives or school teachers who are going to make under $16,000 a year,'' said Paul O'Neal, who represents the district where the complex is proposed.
Developer Gene Myers said the income requirements were needed for a tax credit from a federal program designed to help people enter the housing market.
``These are not subsidized units. It's not low-income housing,'' Myers said emphatically.
The developer later added, ``One of the reasons we're here, quite frankly, is because Currituck County doesn't have anything like this in the county. It's one of the few in the state.''
Myers also said renters' annual income can go up indefinitely after they initially qualify and move in.
Commissioner Eldon Miller Jr., who represents the Moyock area, worried aloud about the impact more families would have on area schools. The project is expected to generate about 15 elementary school children, three junior high students and nine high schoolers.
Some 500 other lots already have been approved for new housing, Miller said. ``If it was just yours being considered, it would be different,'' he said.
Myers countered that more school space - from new school construction - would probably be available when the apartments were ready to rent in 1996.
The development will include 20 two-bedroom and 24 three-bedroom apartments with numerous appliances, garages, a ball field, playground and other amenities.
Rents will be from $415 to $475 monthly, Myers said. by CNB