Greensboro, N.C. — The debate over affordable housing is returning to center stage as the Greensboro City Council prepares to determine the fate of a multi-million-dollar development poised to reshape life along Florida Street.
The proposal, known as The Arbors at South Crossing, is more than a construction plan — to many families, it represents hope, opportunity, and a long-awaited chance at stability.
The council will vote Tuesday night on whether to move forward with key financial approvals that could push the project into full motion.
The Arbors at South Crossing: New Vision for Greensboro
Affordable housing has become one of Greensboro’s most chronic challenges. Rising rents, limited inventory, and growing demand have made securing a safe, stable home increasingly difficult for thousands of residents.
City officials say The Arbors at South Crossing has the potential to change that.
The proposed complex would introduce more than 200 affordable housing units, built on a redeveloped portion of Florida Street just south of downtown. For many community leaders, this is the kind of investment Greensboro has needed for years — one that not only builds new homes but brings fresh life into a long-neglected area.
A Resident’s Story
Joseph Taylor’s
Five years ago, Taylor didn’t have a permanent home. He bounced from couch to couch, carrying the weight of uncertainty on his back while trying to keep life stable for his son.
“I had to take my son then where we were kind of bouncing couch to couch,” Taylor recalled.
Everything changed when the Greensboro Housing Authority stepped in.
The Power of Stable Housing
With support, Taylor secured a safe, stable apartment — and from there, his life began to rebuild itself.
“It changed my life completely … I am about to graduate from college with a 4.0. I recently secured a great job,” he said, a quiet pride in his voice.
Stories like his illuminate the transformative power of housing — and why projects like The Arbors at South Crossing carry such weight.
Inside the New Development
More Than 200 Units
The Arbors at South Crossing would bring hundreds of income-based units to the area, giving residents a rare chance at affordability near the city center.
Location: Florida Street Redevelopment Area
The property sits on the same land where Smith Homes once stood before it was demolished. For decades, Smith Homes represented both community and challenges — and leaders see this redevelopment as an opportunity for renewal.
“This site was not only seen as expected useful life, but there were major things that had to be done to revitalize this neighborhood,” said Meredith Daye, Greensboro Housing Authority COO.
What Residents Can Expect
Income-Dependent Pricing
City leaders confirmed that pricing for units will be directly tied to income levels, ensuring the development remains accessible to low- and moderate-income families.
This is one of the reasons why residents like Joseph Taylor say they’d consider moving there if approved.
Infrastructure Improvements
The project is unique because it includes major infrastructure upgrades for the surrounding area — improvements that go far beyond housing.
“This is one of the first times we have done a deal where our housing and neighborhood apartment development department has partnered up with water resources and the housing authority to invest in public infrastructure,” said Samuel Hunt, Greensboro’s Housing Strategy and Development Director.
City Council’s Two Critical Votes
On Tuesday night, Greensboro City Council faces two major decisions:
1. Whether to invest $2 million into public infrastructure improvements needed for the development.
2. Whether to allow the Greensboro Housing Authority to issue up to $6 million in revenue bonds to support Phase 1 of the project.
Both decisions will determine how quickly — and whether — the project moves forward.
What Comes Next for Greensboro
If approved, The Arbors at South Crossing could become one of the most impactful housing developments in recent Greensboro history. As construction crews prepare land along Florida Street, residents are watching closely, many seeing in this project an opportunity that could echo across generations.
Greensboro stands at a crossroads — one vote could push the city toward a more inclusive future, where families like the Taylors aren’t just surviving, but thriving.
Connect With Us