Floyd housing questionnaire highlights interest in future projects
"This questionnaire to would-be homeowners shows demand from real people — that they are interested in what we're proposing and that the developer should be able to sell all of the homes.”
The Floyd County Economic Development Authority is evaluating a potential Workforce Housing Development near the Town of Floyd. If the project comes to fruition, 10-20 new homes will be available to purchase with priority given to people working (or about-to-work) in Floyd County.
Those interested in participating in an upcoming information session about the development should complete this online form (https://bit.ly/3YprsuQ). Questions include the number and amount of household incomes, fields of work, ties to Floyd, and previous homeownership status. Completing the form adds your name to the list of potential buyers, and helps officials evaluate housing needs and support.
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Floyd County Community and Economic Development Director Lydeana Martin said that as of Jan. 9 there had been a total of 31 responses to the survey from teachers, deputies, nurses and nursing assistants, carpenters, and others.
“Over the past 18 months, we surveyed Floyd County businesses and residents about the priority needs in the county. Of the 159 businesses who responded, the top issue they want local government to address is more housing options for their employees or would-be employees,” Martin said. “Likewise, the community survey showed lack of housing options as a high priority concern. Lack of housing options makes it difficult for young families to stay or come back to Floyd. And it makes it difficult for businesses and public schools to recruit and retain employees. So, we know more housing is essential for the community and businesses to thrive.”
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Potential funding for the Workforce Housing Development’s site and infrastructure could come from a number of sources, Martin explained, including a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of up to $2 million that requires a local match of seven acres of land. Another possibility is receiving funding of up to $700,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).
Martin added that neither the CDBG grant nor the ARC grant could be applied to actual home construction, but she noted two possible “means of helping offset” construction costs. One is Floyd’s turn to receive up to $500,000 from NRV HOME and the NRV Housing Fund in 2027, and the other is down-payment assistance programs that are available to homebuyers.
“When we apply for grant funds, it's very important to show both need and "demand" for what we're proposing,” Martin said. “The community surveys show need. This questionnaire to would-be homeowners, though, shows demand from real people — that they are interested in what we're proposing and that the developer should be able to sell all of the homes.”
Find the Workforce Housing Development questionnaire at https://bit.ly/3YprsuQ.