County Boards Approve Over 300 Affordable Housing Units Amid Cost Concerns

Several communities across the U.S. and Canada are advancing affordable and rental housing projects amid rising concerns over housing conditions, costs, and availability. Wellsboro borough approved converting two former care facilities into 22 apartments, addressing local housing needs while requiring improvements in parking and emergency access. Santa Barbara County launched a proactive Rental Housing Inspection Pilot Program in Isla Vista, targeting building and health code violations in student rental units, with mandatory registration and inspections for property owners. In Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, a historic building is being repurposed into 12 affordable rental units, with local authorities ensuring infrastructure capacity and ongoing property oversight. Meanwhile, Palm Beach County commissioners reluctantly approved funding for two low-income apartment projects despite high construction costs nearing $500,000 per unit, reflecting concerns about sustainability amid urgent affordable housing needs. Arlington County approved a 309-unit apartment building in Clarendon featuring committed-affordable units and commercial space, with attention to environmental certification and community integration.