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I. Ellis Johnson Housing Development

Home I. Ellis Johnson Housing Development
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The images shown on this page are conceptual renderings intended to illustrate the proposed development. They are not final or approved architectural designs, and the final design may change as planning continues.

About the Development

Southeastern Community Action Partnership has a long-standing commitment to Scotland County, investing approximately $4.2 million each year in programs and services that support children, families and individuals across the community.

As part of that continued investment, Southeastern is planning a phased multifamily housing development on approximately 14 acres conveyed by Scotland County. The development will include both affordable housing and market-rate housing.

Southeastern has approved funding supporting the development of 55 housing units. The housing will be developed in phases.

How Will We Meet the Housing Need?

Scotland County has faced a longstanding shortage of available housing, including affordable rental options for local families. Previous reporting on housing needs in the region has highlighted both the limited supply of rental housing and the challenges residents can face finding housing that fits their needs and budgets.

The I. Ellis Johnson Housing Development is designed to add new housing options through a phased approach.

Phase One will include affordable housing for residents who meet established eligibility requirements.

Phase Two is planned to include market-rate housing, with rental rates based on the local housing market.

Together, the phases are intended to create a broader housing development that adds housing options and represents continued investment in the community.

What Will the Development Include?

Current plans include:

About the Renderings
The images shown are conceptual renderings intended to illustrate the proposed development and its general design direction. They are not final or approved architectural plans, and details may change as the design process continues.

Who Will Own and Manage the Development?

Southeastern Community Action Partnership will own the property and oversee its professional management.

The development will include an onsite management office and property manager. Southeastern will also ensure that the buildings and grounds are properly maintained.

Residents will be required to follow their lease agreements and established property policies.

What About the Former I. Ellis Johnson School?

The former I. Ellis Johnson School is not part of Southeastern’s housing development.

The school, gym and existing community spaces remain under the ownership of Scotland County and are separate from the property being developed by Southeastern. Questions about the future use of those facilities should be directed to Scotland County.

Why Is Southeastern Investing in Housing?

For more than 60 years, Southeastern has supported individuals and families through education, workforce development, emergency assistance, food and nutrition, housing and other services.

Southeastern has a long-standing commitment to Scotland County and invests approximately $4.2 million annually in programs and services that support children, families and individuals across the community.

Housing is consistent with Southeastern’s work helping individuals and families build greater stability and self-sufficiency.

This development is not a departure from our mission. It is an extension of it.

It also represents a continued investment in the I. Ellis Johnson community and in the future use of property conveyed by Scotland County for housing development.

Where Does the Development Stand Today?

Funding for the housing development has already been approved. The next step is approval of the required permits needed for the development to move forward.

Southeastern will continue to provide updates as the development progresses.

Have a question about the
I. Ellis Johnson Housing Development?

Email IEJ_Development@scapnc.org. Questions received will help inform future updates and frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this public housing?

No. This is a SCAP-owned multifamily housing development that will include both affordable and market-rate housing.

Some affordable units will serve residents who meet specific eligibility requirements, but the full development should not be characterized as public housing.

Is this Section 8 housing?

No. The development itself is not a Section 8 development.

Some eligible residents may use Housing Choice Vouchers or other rental assistance.

What is affordable housing?

Affordable housing is intended for residents who meet established income and housing eligibility requirements.

Additional information about eligibility and the application process will be shared as the development moves closer to opening.

How many housing units are planned?

Southeastern currently has funding supporting the development of 55 housing units.

The housing will be developed in phases.

Who will own the development?

Southeastern Community Action Partnership will own the property.

Who will manage the property?

The property will be professionally managed, with an on-site office and manager.

Southeastern will maintain oversight and ensure that the buildings and grounds are properly maintained.

Will residents have to follow property rules?

Yes. Residents will have lease agreements and will be required to follow established property policies.

Is the former I. Ellis Johnson School being converted into housing?

No.

The former school building is not part of Southeastern’s housing development.

What happens to the school, gym and existing community spaces?

Those properties remain owned by Scotland County and are not part of SCAP’s housing development.

Questions about their future use should be directed to Scotland County.

Has funding been approved?

Yes. Funding for the housing development has already been approved.

Southeastern has received two grants supporting different portions of the development.

How will Southeastern keep the community informed?

Southeastern will continue to provide updates through this webpage and other official communications as the development moves forward.