Sandy Ridge project aims to ease Durham's affordable housing shortage

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Durham city leaders say a new housing development in Braggtown will play a key role in addressing the city's affordable housing shortage.

The project, Sandy Ridge Station and Sandy Ridge Villas, is now underway after crews cleared the site for construction. The $64 million development will include 198 affordable units for residents earning at or below 70% of the area's median income.

City officials, the Durham Housing Authority, developers and community members gathered Thursday for a groundbreaking ceremony, marking a milestone for a project years in the making.

Mayor Leo Williams said the development directly addresses one of Durham's most urgent needs.

"Affordable housing is one of the things folks talk about most in our city. It's also one of the biggest needs we have," Williams said. "This is an opportunity to continue responding to that need. It's 198 families that will have a roof over their heads."

Eric Swan with the Durham Housing Authority said the project is part of a broader effort to expand housing options across the city.

"There's a housing shortage in Durham and many other places as well," Swan said. "We're identifying as many opportunities as we can to partner with developers who want to build affordable housing."

Fifty-one families from Oxford Manor are expected to relocate to the new community once construction is complete. The development is scheduled to open next summer.