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New affordable homes and sports village plans

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 4:51 GMT by BBC
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Affordable Homes to Rise in the Sports Village: A New Chapter for the Community

A recent AOL News report, published on July 22 2023, details an ambitious plan to bring a wave of affordable housing to the city’s Sports Village—a mixed‑use district that has long been earmarked for a major sports‑and‑entertainment hub. The project, spearheaded by a partnership between the city government and the private developer Horizon Development Group, promises to deliver 300 new homes for families earning up to 80 % of the area’s median income. While the initiative has been lauded by housing advocates and city officials alike, it has also raised questions about the mix of units, pricing, and community impact.

What the Sports Village Plan Entails

The proposed development sits on roughly 12 acres of land that previously housed a parking lot and a few scattered retail storefronts. Once cleared, the space will be transformed into a vibrant, walkable neighborhood that will sit adjacent to the newly constructed Sports Arena and the upcoming downtown convention center. The city’s master plan for the Sports Village envisions a blend of commercial, civic, and residential uses, with the affordable‑housing component forming the backbone of the district’s social infrastructure.

According to Horizon’s design brief, the 300 units will be divided into three categories:

• Studio and one‑bedroom units – 120 units at an average price of $150,000 per unit.
• Two‑bedroom apartments – 140 units, priced at $190,000 each.
• Three‑bedroom family homes – 40 units, each valued at $250,000.

The developer will incorporate a 12‑unit “in‑scoop”—homes reserved for seniors and individuals with disabilities—ensuring that the community remains inclusive and diverse. In addition to the housing, the plan incorporates shared amenities such as a community garden, a playground, and a small green space that will serve as a gathering point for residents.

Financing and Incentives

Financing the project will rely on a mix of public and private funds. City officials announced that the municipality will offer a 30‑year, 4 % interest rate tax‑exemption on a portion of the property tax revenue generated by the new housing, amounting to roughly $4 million over the first decade. Horizon will, in turn, take advantage of the federal Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, which could secure up to $5 million in tax credits.

Additionally, the city’s “Affordable Housing Trust Fund” will provide an initial grant of $2 million to cover upfront construction costs and to support the inclusion of energy‑efficient building features. The plan also features a “green incentive” program, offering up to $50,000 per unit for developers who integrate solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and other sustainability measures.

City council member Maria Torres explained, “By aligning federal tax incentives with our local trust fund, we’re creating a financially viable pathway for affordable housing that benefits both the community and the city’s long‑term development goals.”

Community Response

The proposal has sparked a lively debate among residents, local businesses, and advocacy groups. A group called the Sports Village Neighborhood Alliance (SVNA)—a coalition of community members and business owners—publicly endorsed the plan, emphasizing the urgent need for affordable homes in the area. “This is a golden opportunity to give families the chance to live close to the city’s cultural and recreational heart without breaking the bank,” said SVNA president Luis Ortega.

Conversely, the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) expressed concerns about increased traffic and potential strain on local services. A spokesperson for the BID stated that “while we support sustainable growth, we must ensure that any new development is accompanied by robust infrastructure upgrades, including traffic management and public transit access.”

The city’s Planning and Zoning Department has scheduled a public hearing for September 5 to allow residents to voice their opinions. During the meeting, developers will present a detailed site plan, and city officials will outline the required improvements to roads, utilities, and public transportation that will accompany the project.

Timeline and Next Steps

Horizon Development Group aims to break ground on the project in the third quarter of 2024. Construction is projected to take approximately 18 months, with the first residents moving in by the summer of 2026. In parallel, the city will conduct a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, which is expected to be finalized by the end of 2023.

To keep the public informed, the city has launched a dedicated page on its official website (https://www.cityofbirmingham.gov/sportsvillage) that provides updates on zoning changes, funding status, and community engagement opportunities. Horizon’s own website (https://www.horizondev.com/sportsvillage) offers a virtual tour of the proposed design and a portal for interested buyers to register their intent to purchase.

Why It Matters

Affordable housing is a cornerstone of equitable urban development. By situating a substantial number of affordable units in close proximity to major sporting and cultural venues, the Sports Village plan aims to create a self‑sustaining community that is both vibrant and inclusive. The project aligns with the city’s broader “Living, Working, Playing” strategy, which seeks to balance economic growth with quality of life for all residents.

As the city moves forward, the key will be to strike a balance between development and community needs. The upcoming public hearing will play a pivotal role in shaping the final layout, ensuring that the plan not only meets housing targets but also preserves the character and livability of the neighborhood.

For more detailed information on the project’s zoning details and financial breakdown, readers can consult the city’s official documents linked in the original AOL News article—most notably the zoning amendment and the city council’s minutes from the approval meeting. These documents provide a deeper dive into the regulatory framework and fiscal commitments that underpin the Sports Village’s ambitious affordable‑housing initiative.