New Hanover County to look at Blue Clay Road Project to address housing needs

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY)– New Hanover County commissioners are set to consider a multi-million-dollar investment aimed at expanding workforce housing for essential workers during their meeting Monday afternoon.

The proposal includes a $2 million investment in Cape Fear Development’s Proximity Blue Clay Road apartment project in Wilmington. It also creates a separate $2 million Workforce Housing Investment Fund to help support future affordable housing developments across the county.

If approved, the Proximity Blue Clay Road apartments would be reserved for households earning between 60% and 90% of the area’s median income. Eligible residents could include teachers, nurses, sheriff’s deputies and other essential workers who often struggle to find housing near their jobs.

Commissioner Rob Zapple said the proposal is designed to address the county’s growing need for workforce housing while protecting taxpayer investments.

“We’re investing into our community in those areas that we know we need. There’s a great need for it. So, I’m really delighted about that. And to take a 5% interest rate, we make that all along for 10 years, and at the end of 10 years, we get our money back.”

Commissioners are expected to discuss the proposal during their meeting Monday at 4 p.m. If approved, the funding would support the apartment development and establish a dedicated fund for future workforce housing projects.