The Henry County Board of Supervisors took significant steps Tuesday to promote both single-family and multi-family housing developments, actions that will also help address blighted structures in the county.
The first measure involves a partnership between the county, the Harvest Foundation, and the West Piedmont Planning District Commission (WPPDC) to support affordable housing development in Villa Heights. This collaboration is set to bring 16 single-family homes to the neighborhood.
“Finding affordable housing continues to be an issue around the country,” said Joe Bryant, vice-chairman, and of the Collinsville District. “The steps we’re taking today show the county’s commitment to addressing that issue and rectifying some of the blighted homes in our community. I’m grateful for these partnerships with local nonprofits and private developers, and I hope it signals more progress to come.”
The county initially acquired the Villa Heights parcels following their seizure due to drug-related blight. After demolishing the existing structures, the board transferred those deeds to WPPDC during Tuesday’s meeting.
The Harvest Foundation’s affordable housing fund will provide financial support for the project, covering the cost of two homes at a time until December 31, 2026, or until a renewed agreement is in place. Each home’s cost will not exceed $225,000. The county will oversee construction, bidding, and marketing the homes. Proceeds from home sales will be used to reimburse the Harvest Foundation for its initial investment.
The board’s second measure approved a performance agreement with Ridgeway Halifax, LLC to redevelop a deteriorating 20-unit apartment complex located at 74, 76, and 78 Halifax Drive in Collinsville. Instead of bearing demolition costs, the county will provide $75,000 to the developer upon meeting key milestones in the renovation process.
“This agreement came through negotiations between the previous property owner, the county, and the new developer,” said Lee Clark, Director of Planning, Zoning, and Inspections. “The county has traditionally offered similar incentives to attract new industries, and this project follows that model. It’s a win-win: the property stays on the tax rolls, living conditions improve for residents and neighbors, and it helps address our ongoing housing shortage.”
The planned renovations for the Halifax Drive complex include a full roof replacement, new exterior siding, new windows and doors, replacement of exterior decks and railings, and the removal of overgrown vegetation. The county will waive applicable building fees as part of the incentive package. Payments of $37,500 will be made upon completion of specific renovations, with another $37,500 provided once the entire project is completed and a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
In other business, the board also took several additional actions, including:
– Adopting a proclamation recognizing November 12, 2024, as Disability Rights and Resource Center Awareness Day in Henry County.
– Approving an additional appropriation of $26,000 from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to fund overtime for deputies performing traffic enforcement duties.
– Approving an additional $22,144 from the Department of Justice to purchase bulletproof vests for law enforcement personnel.
– Nominating Dr. Pam Cobler as Henry County’s voting representative at the 2024 Virginia Association of Counties annual business meeting, with Garrett Dillard as the alternate.
– Approving a request to rezone approximately 0.12 miles of the Blackberry District from Suburban Residential (S-R) to Rural Residential (R-R) to allow for the placement of manufactured housing.
– Appointing Ricky Walker to the Henry-Martinsville Social Services Board for an unexpired term ending May 31, 2026.
– Approving the consent agenda.
– Hearing the monthly report on delinquent tax collection efforts.
– Receiving a general highway report from Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Resident Engineer Lisa Price-Hughes.
– Hearing an update from the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp.
– Hearing from David Craig about recommendations for the use of Opioid Abatement funds.
Board member Travis Pruitt, representing the Ridgeway District, did not attend the meeting.
