Greater Bethel AME Church and Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region announced the planned sale of a 9-acre tract of land in North Charlotte. The wooded land will be developed into a new neighborhood of up to 34 affordable homes.

The Peachtree Road property is strategically located between Hwy 16 and Beattie’s Ford Road, providing quick access to Charlotte. The new community will tie into two existing neighborhoods, offering a sense of connection as well as improved access for first responders.

When the church contemplated selling the land, pastor Reverend Dr. Abdue Knox challenged the congregation as to the best use of the property. “We could sell to a private developer, who would build 300 to 400 thousand-dollar homes, or we could make a more meaningful impact on the lives of people in the community by selling the land to Habitat Charlotte Region.”

The Greater Bethel AME congregation voted resoundingly in support of affordable housing, connecting the value of transforming once idle land into greater economic futures for the families that will live in the new development. It projects a strong example of civic leadership from the church, and will act as a catalyst to spur future conversations around innovative land use practices.

“We’re tremendously grateful to Dr. Knox and the Greater Bethel congregation for their support of our mission by allowing us to purchase the land at below market value,” said Laura Belcher, President & CEO of Habitat Charlotte Region. “The property itself is beautiful, and we can already envision the scores of families who will benefit from the wealth-generating benefits of becoming homeowners here.”

As part of the sale, Habitat will transfer one of the homes to Greater Bethel, who will use it to help church members in need of housing assistance.