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Dare County Board of Commissioners received updates about affordable housing projects at its May 16, 2022 meeting.

County manager Robert L. Outten presented information and followed with one suggestion that the commissioners subsequently approved.

Woda Cooper Companies was awarded the county’s Bowsertown project. The developer promised affordable housing units on the Bowsertown property and an undisclosed location in Nags Head.

Dare’s commissioners have expressed concerns about the high cost of the Nags Head property. As presented, the cost per acre for the Nags Head property is $800,000.

Outten proposed separating the two projects, moving ahead with the Bowsertown project on Roanoke Island and looking for land at more affordable prices.

On a motion by Rob Ross, the commissioners unanimously passed a motion to uncouple the two projects and accelerate the Bowsertown project.

Outten acknowledged that the projects were “moving incredibly slow, but not for lack of work or effort.”

With the Coastal Affordable Housing group, Outten reported that state and federal procurement requirements do not mesh to move money from the federal government to the state government to Dare County government to the private partner Coastal Affordable Housing.

The problem, said Outten, is “not unique to us.” Multiple meetings have been held with various agencies and attorneys trying to find a solution, said Outten.

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