More affordable housing could be coming to Hinesville in several months. City council members unanimously approved rezoning 5.63 acres on Charles Frasier Boulevard and Kacey Drive to multi-family residences. The developers are planning to build a project similar to Hunters Haven in Flemington and are applying for state tax credits to make most of the apartment units workforce housing.

 “They’re speaking my language,” Council member Diana Reid said. “It is music to my ears.”

Plans call for 78 units, ranging from one to three bedrooms, to be considered affordable, based on the state tax credit.

“There is a great need for apartments and we’re happy to bring more to the area,” said Devin Blankenship of Talon Development.

Hunters Haven is now 94% leased, Blankenship said, and the outdoor amenities at the planned complex will be similar to those at Hunters Haven. There will be three outdoor play areas, including one that is ADA accessible. The complex will have a covered pavilion with outdoor grills and there will be other green spaces.

Amenities inside the building include a community area with a warming kitchen, computer center, fitness room, laundry facilities and indoor bicycle storage with locks.

We’re extremely proud of it,” Blankenship said. “That is what true workforce housing - market quality, great places for families to live.”

There also will be 14 market rate units for lease, Blankenship said, but even those will be below the market rate. The affordable housing is based off area median income.

Blankenship said the state’s tax credit program is one of the best things the state specifically does to address the affordable housing crisis in the U.S.

Talon Development’s recently-completed market study shows it should lease up to 25 units per month.

Council member Jason Floyd urged Blankenship to continue to look for areas to build more such complexes.

“We know we have a demand,” he said.