Mountain Housing Opportunities (MHO) has acquired property in Swannanoa for future construction of an affordable housing apartment complex. The property is located on U.S. Highway 70, west of Riverwood Road, and includes the house that was the former location of Moments Cafe.

Current plans for the development — to be known as East Haven Apartments — call for construction of 95 one-to-three bedroom units. Rents for those who meet the income requirements will be significantly below market rates. It may be a couple of years before financing can be secured and construction can begin.

MHO already has an affordable housing presence in Swannanoa. Under the auspices of the federal Self-Help Home Ownership Program, six families have participated in construction of their own homes on property in Beacon Village, adjacent to the Habitat for Humanity community. An additional six homes will be built before the MHO-sponsored project is complete.

For more info about MHO, visit www.mtnhousing.org.