Oxford Workforce Housing Developments Moving Forward

Story contributed by students Abbie McIntosh and Chance Robertson

Workforce housing is coming to Lafayette County with the approval of two complexes, Belle Rivers and Eastover. Belle Rivers construction has already begun, but Eastover is still pending.

Belle Rivers will consist of 48 units as attached duplexes on 9 acres off Slack and Vaughn Roads, just east of the Kroger shopping center. Eastover is just south of Oxford High School, near the Sisk Avenue extension. 

Land has been cleared on the site of Belle Rivers affordable workforce housing development off Slack Road. Photo by Alyssa Schnugg.

Developer Stewart Rutledge said he is happy to be part of a solution to the housing problem, but he understands that there is still much to do to help the community in this area.

While there isn’t a set time for when leasing will start, Rutledge expects it to fill to capacity because of the high demand for the housing.

He made clear to emphasize that this is not Section 8 housing or government assisted living.

“I would call it moderately rent-restricted workforce housing,” he said.

The requirements to live at either the Belle Rivers or Eastover complexes are to make 60 percent of the Lafayette County median income, which is approximately $43,000. Rent is expected to be around $700 a month. 

A single person cannot make more than $27,660 to be eligible for one of the units. A family of four cannot make more than $39,480; however, those figures could increase slightly over the next year if the median income in Lafayette County increases, HottyToddy.com previously reported. 

Project manager Adam Burnett discussed the process of how long the projects should take to finish going forward.

“If all goes well Belle Rivers should be ready to occupy at the end of June first of July,” said Burnett.

He went on to mention that Winters Construction has a year to complete each project from the date ground was broken at each site.

Rutledge said he is happy to help the workers of the City of Oxford and Lafayette County, but residents haven’t unanimously liked his project.

“Some people say it’s not needed. There are people who would say ‘Why do we need affordable housing near the Square?’ I’ve received some really strong, nasty emails telling me go build in Abbeville. Don’t bring them here,” said Rutledge.