Overview

After growing in the 1990s, Avilla saw most new home construction stop by 2005, leaving planned subdivisions undeveloped. From 2017-2021, Granite Ridge tested the Avilla market and built and sold 40 homes, finishing the Cranberry Acres neighborhood. Given this success, they recently acquired unfinished lots in two more developments and received final plat approvals. Due to the rising costs of infrastructure, however, Granite Ridge has advised the town they are not going to finish homes in Watercrest and plan to split construction in Orchard Valley into two phases in an attempt to spread out costs and maintain affordability for buyers. This project will complete the build-out of Watercrest (13 single-family villaminiums) and Orchard Valley (for 40 upscale, mid-range homes.) Both neighborhoods are well-established, with some utilities adjacent to the sites. Significant investment is needed for water, storm sewer, roads, detention areas, and excavation in order to move forward. READI funds will contribute to all of these investments. Home sales in recent months confirm strong local demand. Homes are listed one day and sold the next, with many transactions happening without sales agents as people try to help one another. In order to increase the workforce and stabilize employee turnover attributed to long commutes, the resident population must grow, which requires more housing. Grant support will reduce lot prices, improve affordability, and expedite home construction.