James City Studying Viability of 47-Unit Affordable Housing Development Dubbed "The Moores"
Consultants selected to evaluate market demand and Federal grant eligibility for Community Land Trust project
James City County recently commissioned a study to assess market feasibility and potential financial support for a proposed 47-unit mixed-income development, dubbed The Moores. The county’s goal is to submit a competitive federal grant application through the Federal Home Loan Bank as early as this year. This approach differs from other loan-based housing programs which require repayment by participants. The consultant’s final revised report is expected in May.
According to county documents, the project aligns with the Board of Supervisors’ 2026 Strategic Plan, which identified the need to facilitate affordable housing, particularly for seniors, individuals with special needs, and the local workforce. Income eligibility for “The Moores” will include a cap of 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI), estimated to be $109,985 by the US Census Bureau. Should the development proceed, the community would be situated on Clark Lane.
The Moore’s project is part of the County’s implementation of a Community Land Trust (CLT) model, which specifies that residents own their homes through long-term leases while the land is held by a nonprofit trust. The county expects the model to be effective at keeping homes affordable over time by limiting resale prices, while still allowing owners to build some equity. Properties in the Moses Lane area also have been identified as part of the initial pipeline for the Community Land Trust.
In addition to publicly initiated projects, the County has pursued affordable housing through rezoning and development proffers. For example, the Fort Magruder redevelopment on Pocahontas Trail, which is an adaptive reuse of a former hotel, includes a commitment that 40 percent of units will be affordable workforce housing, with set-asides for households earning 60, 80, and 120 percent of AMI.
The county selected RKG Associates, which states on its website that the company provides planning, economic, and real estate advisory services. For example, the site presents a study conducted for the City of Alexandria to prepare a Housing Master Plan. The firm analyzed supply and demand across the city and individual neighborhoods, helping officials identify gaps in housing for residents earning 60 to 80 percent of median income. County officials assert that the Moore’s Market Study will provide essential data to guide decision-making about the project as James City County continues to expand its portfolio of affordable and attainable housing options.
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