Cary could see more affordable housing, accessory dwelling units

According to Zillow, the average rent in Cary is $2,100 a month and the average home value is just under $600,000.

The town is working on a program to help families who are becoming priced out by all the new developments.

"There’s the perception that most people in this area are doing very well or have stable housing. You would be surprised to know how many people are on the other side of that," said Andre Anthony, CEO of Dorcas Ministries.

The nonprofit is working with the town to develop a new program called Stable Homes Cary. It would expand the support for people who are struggling to stay in their homes.

"If we can help people get there or help people find better situations for themselves, their kids, their families, that’s what we’re hoping to accomplish," said Anthony.

Stable Homes Cary would also start up a fund to help people relocate when they're forced out by redevelopment.

One of those at-risk neighborhoods is Chatham Estates. The mobile home community is up for sale. More than 100 families who live there and pay a few hundred dollars a month in rent are in danger of being displaced and priced out.

"We wanted to create this partnership with Dorcas to let folks know and let the community know that we’re going to support them if a move is necessary," said Heather Whelehan, director of housing for the Town of Cary.

The town is also working to increase the supply of affordable housing.

New homes being built are bigger and more expensive. That's why the town wants to add a smaller option.

A zoning change would allow more homeowners in every part of town to build accessory dwelling units - or backyard cottages.

"We’d really like to see more of them, because we know that ADUs are a great option for seniors that want to age in place, multi-generational households, individuals with disabilities, caregivers," said Whelehan.

The town plans to put $800,000 into the relocation fund. Dorcas Ministries would get $1.6 million over three years to expand the work it's already doing to help families find affordable housing.

Town Council will decide what to do with both the ADU zoning change and the Stable Homes Cary program in the spring.