Ashe County is seeking to help a Raleigh developer expand his housing project in Jefferson through application of $240,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds. A second public hearing to hear comments is scheduled Monday, May 17 at 4:30 during the board of commissioners’ meeting. A first hearing was held May 3.

Bob Henley with Henley & Associates LLC of Raleigh is planning to add 40 more units to his existing 30 units in Jefferson.

Henley went to the Jefferson Board of Aldermen in March to request their assistance in expanding into Phase III of his Jefferson View Apartments project. Built on nearly seven acres just off Academy Street three years ago, property he purchased from the town, the apartments have provided the community with quality affordable housing.

When the project initially began in 2005, Henley was approved for 40 units and had hoped to open them by spring or fall of 2006. He was delayed, however, in seeking assistance through a state and federal low income tax credit program. Henley ended up building only 30 units but retained plans to expand.

He is again planning to use the low income tax credit program for this project, and he asked and was granted town assistance in seeking Community Development Block Grant funding. However, Jefferson was denied the request because the town still has an open grant for another housing project. So Henley went to the county for help in April.

Henley is eligible for up to $6,000 per unit – total about $240,000 - of this competitive grant money, but needs government assistance because the federal money must be requested by a governing body. The county will request the money and it would be administered through the High Country Council of Governments.

Henley said the units would include one, two and three bedroom apartments and several that would be handicap accessible along with 90 parking spaces.

Plans also include widening and improving more than 100 feet of Academy Street to increase the entrance and improve traffic flow in the community.