10/30: Airport Rd Townhomes Groundbreaking
Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley (NRV) is excited to announce the groundbreaking of the Airport Road Townhomes, a significant step toward addressing the growing need for affordable workforce housing in Blacksburg. The development reflects Habitat’s mission of building sustainable, affordable homes and strengthening our community’s economic future. The event will be held on October 30th from 10 am to 12 pm at 1200 Airport Rd, Blacksburg, VA.
Blacksburg is experiencing rapid growth, but many essential workers, including healthcare professionals, educators, and public service workers, face an uphill battle in securing housing close to where they work. The median home price in Blacksburg exceeds $450,000, creating barriers for those earning less than 80% of the area’s median income, a demographic heavily represented in vital sectors like education, retail, and healthcare.
The Airport Road Townhomes project will provide 11 thoughtfully designed homes for low- and moderate-income families. The development aims to ease the burden for families earning under 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and ensure they spend no more than 30% of their income on housing.
A Strategic Location for Impact Located within walking distance of Virginia Tech, local schools, healthcare facilities, and public transportation, these homes are strategically placed to reduce commuting time and transportation costs. This will foster a healthier work-life balance for families and contribute to a more stable workforce in the town.
Addressing the Workforce Housing Crisis The 2021 Regional + Local Housing Study highlighted the urgent need for income-restricted units in the area, with over 5,500 units required to stabilize the most vulnerable residents. It found that housing shortages have constrained local businesses, making recruiting and retaining employees challenging due to a lack of affordable living options.
This project aligns directly with Habitat’s advocacy efforts and the Town of Blacksburg’s goal of ensuring diverse, affordable housing options. Habitat’s innovative partnership with the New River Home Trust ensures these homes will remain affordable for future generations through a 99-year renewable ground lease model.
A Call to the Community To fully realize this vision, Habitat invites contributions from local businesses and residents. A campaign has been launched to raise $90,000 per unit to supplement public grants and ensure affordability for the town’s workforce.
“These townhomes will do more than provide shelter—they will offer stability and opportunity to families and enhance the overall resilience of Blacksburg,” said Jim Drader, Executive Director.
