City News

Category: Affordable Housing
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Applicants sought for $900,000+ available to create affordable housing in Asheville
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

CLARIFICATION: An earlier edition of this article said HOME Investment Partnership money was available to private parties. It should have said private developers. Some $928,000 in federal HOME Investment Partnership money is available locally to create new affordable housing and/or to make existing housing affordable. The Asheville Regional Housing Consortium is requesting applications from nonprofits [...]

PostAffordable HousingNewsCommunity and Economic Development
Asheville Chamber launches housing survey
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has a Regional Housing Needs Survey available online. According to the Chamber, “We are conducting this survey in order to get a clearer grassroots understanding of the housing needs and desires of our area’s workforce. The data will be used to direct resources to meet those needs and desires.” The survey should [...]

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Asheville City Council approves putting bond referendums to voters
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

Package would pay for transportation and recreation infrastructure as well as affordable housing projects   Asheville City Council voted to put three bond referendums totaling $74 million before Asheville voters in the November general election. At their Aug. 9 meeting, councilmembers voted unanimously to take the next step in getting the bond referendums on the ballot. The three bond referendums [...]

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affordable housing photo illustration
Asheville City Council clears way for donation of 2 City-owned lots for affordable housing
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

  Two single-family lots will be donated to the Asheville Buncombe Community Land Trust so that the organization can build deeply affordable housing on them. The single family homes to be built on each lot will be permanently affordable to families at 60% and below the Area Median Income, at a target sales [...]

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model of a house and key ring on a blueprint
Asheville City Council to hold affordable housing worksession
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

  On Sept. 6, Asheville City Council will hold a worksession on affordable housing. The session will take place from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the U.S. Cellular Center Banquet Hall, 87 Haywood St.   The goal of the session is to review the realities of local affordable housing needs, barriers to building affordable housing and the [...]

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affordable housing photo illustration
Asheville Community and Economic Development to host neighborhood meetings in the spring
Posted on by Ashley Traynum-Carson

  In March, City of Asheville staff will once again engage neighborhoods in the development of three small neighborhood lots on West Chestnut Street, Lufty Avenue, and Kentucky Drive for affordable housing.     Several weeks ago, finalists were named for the Neighborhood Lots for Affordable Housing Request for Proposals (RFP) process to develop the lots. The finalists are [...]

PostAffordable HousingFeaturedNewsCommunity and Economic Development
Asheville homestays and short-term rentals — why regulate?
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

The growing share economy has broadened travel accommodation options. Now, when planning a vacation, people may decide they want: A place with a kitchen so we can save money on dining; A local, neighborhood experience; Accommodations in a more affordable price range; A place that allows us bring our four-legged friends along; All of the above.   So they bypass a hotel [...]

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Housing market photo illustration
Asheville housing market report outlines challenges and gains
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

    The City of Asheville contracted a study to examine the housing market for the City of Asheville and Buncombe County. The study by Bowen National Research provides a high-level overview of the current market, including affordability issues, as well as areas of affordability that remain challenging for the region. The study points to many issues [...]

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Asheville Housing Trust Fund applications being accepted
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

The Glen Rock Apartments in Asheville’s River Arts District offers affordable, energy-efficient one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.   The City of Asheville’s Community & Economic Development Department is accepting applications for funding from the City of Asheville’s Housing Trust Fund. Funding is available for affordable housing development, rehabilitation or preservation of affordable housing units within Asheville’s City [...]

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affordable housing illustration
Asheville launches affordable housing initiative shaped by Harvard research 
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

  Program is designed to help landlords make providing affordable housing more feasible   Twenty-five landlords in Asheville now have a chance to be part of an innovative solution to the affordable housing crisis in our area.      Thrive Asheville, an initiative of UNC Asheville that brings together local community advocates, policymakers, and professionals from diverse perspectives to find equitable solutions [...]

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Asheville Regional Housing Consortium to meet with HUD on affordable housing
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

The Asheville Regional Housing Consortium will meet from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Buncombe County Administration Building, 200 College Street, in the main floor conference room to discuss capacity-building for affordable housing in our region through the use of the federal HOME Investment Partnership Funds overseen by this Consortium and related initiatives.   The U.S. [...]

PostAffordable HousingNewsCommunity and Economic Development
Asheville voters approve bonds; now improvements can begin
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

When it comes to improving our infrastructure for transportation, parks and recreation facilities and affordable housing opportunities, Asheville voters made their mandate clear at the polls on November 8, Election Day. By an overwhelming margin, Asheville residents said yes to all three bond questions put before them on the ballot. The general obligation referenda will generate [...]

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house with keys
City Council adopts resolution to launch bond-funded Down Payment Assistance Program
Posted on by Christy Edwards

The City of Asheville affordable housing bond referendum seeks to make home ownership available to low and moderate income City residents and staff. City Council took a step toward making those funds available when they adopted a Down Payment Assistance Policy resolution during their Feb. 26 meeting.   Here is the resolution:  City of Asheville [...]

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City Council and WNC Delegates talk legislative priorities
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

Members of Asheville City Council and members of the Western North Carolina delegation met Monday December 1 to have breakfast and discuss Council’s legislative agenda for the 2014 long session. Council will approve this year’s legislative agenda at its Dec. 9 formal session. Photo from left to right: Senator Terry Van Duyn, Council Member Gwen Wisler, [...]

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model of a house and key ring on a blueprint
City Council approves Housing Trust Fund allocations that add affordable housing units
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

  Housing Trust Fund allocations approved July 23 by Asheville City Council will support the addition of affordable housing units in our community.   The allocations were made through the City’s Housing Trust Fund to support three projects. All three projects serve individuals and families with incomes under 60% of the Area Median Income. The Median household income [...]

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City Council approves submission of Annual Action Plan to support affordable housing, economic development and more
Posted on by Christy Edwards

On February 28, 2023, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released the 2023-2024 formula allocations for the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership programs. With Council’s approval on May 9, the City’s FY 23-24 Annual Action Plan can now be submitted to HUD.  CDBG and HOME are federal [...]

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City extends application deadline for ADU-homestays task force
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

The City of Asheville is recruiting a community task force to help shape decisions about accessory dwelling unit (ADU)-homestay rentals. The original deadline to apply  has passed but the pool of candidates who applied to the City revealed only one renter. Therefore, members of the City’s Governance Committee requested that the application deadline be extended until 5 [...]

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City floodplain practices result in 10 percent drop in insurance rates
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

City of Asheville property owners who pay flood insurance will see a drop in their premiums thanks to the City’s floodplain management and disaster reduction practices. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced in December that the City’s voluntary management activities exceeded the standards of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The result is not [...]

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City council accepting check
City of Asheville accepts significant donation for affordable housing from Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

  In recognition of the City of Asheville’s commitment to the creation and expansion of affordable housing, a local organization decided to donate a quarter of a million dollars toward the effort. Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community is donating $250,000 to the Asheville Affordable Housing Trust to assist in the City’s efforts to increase the supply of [...]

PostAffordable HousingFeaturedNewsPress ReleasesCommunity and Economic Development
house with keys
City of Asheville announces City Council approval of the purchase and sale agreement of 319 Biltmore Ave.
Posted on by Kim Miller

  On August 23, Asheville City Council voted unanimously to move forward with the purchase and sale agreement of 319 Biltmore Ave, with Laurel Street Residential a Charlotte-based developer. Laurel Street Residential is among the very few black and female owned development companies in North Carolina. This sales approval is a milestone in the advancement [...]

PostAffordable HousingCity CouncilFeaturedNeighborhoodsNewsPress ReleasesCommunity and Economic DevelopmentEquity and Inclusion
mountain housing opportunities groundbreaking for East Haven Apartments
City of Asheville invests in affordable housing projects now under way
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

  The City of Asheville continues to move towards the creation of more affordable housing for those who want to live in and around Asheville. The City’s Community and Economic Development Department has partnered with Habitat for Humanity and Mountain Housing Opportunities to create affordable housing.   Studies show that access to decent, affordable housing provides [...]

PostAffordable HousingFeaturedNewsCommunity and Economic Development
Asheland Avenue proposal rendering
City of Asheville launches online survey to gather community input on proposed Asheland Avenue affordable housing development
Posted on by Ashley Traynum-Carson

  The Department of Community and Economic Development would like to hear from community members about future development on Asheland Avenue. The Haywood Street Congregation proposes to develop affordable housing on a lot currently owned by the City of Asheville. This project supports the City’s initiative to focus on City-owned lots for the building of affordable [...]

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City of Asheville partners with Habitat to provide affordable homes
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

  At a Sept. 6 City Council worksession on affordable housing, experts and City leaders said partnerships are a key component to moving forward as a community on this issue. Several times this past year, the City’s Community and Economic Development Department has partnered with Habitat for Humanity and Mountain Housing Opportunities [...]

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Housing market photo illustration
City of Asheville publishes Affordable Housing Guide
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

    One of the most significant barriers to economic prosperity for America’s lowest-income families is the lack of decent, accessible, and affordable homes. Research shows that when people have stable homes that they can afford, they are better able to find employment, achieve economic mobility, age in place, perform better in school, and maintain improved health.    The [...]

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City of Asheville seeks community input on Five-Year Consolidated Planning priorities at upcoming public forums
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

The City of Asheville’s Community and Economic Development Department invites the public to attend upcoming public forums to assist in the creation of the Five-Year Consolidated Plan. The Plan sets out a framework for using federal HOME funds in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania counties, and Community Development Block grant (CDBG) funds in the city [...]

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illustration of what 319 Biltmore Ave could look like
City of Asheville seeks developers for 319 Biltmore Avenue
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

  The City of Asheville’s Department of Community and Economic Development has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of 319 Biltmore Ave. The redevelopment seeks to provide affordable/mixed income housing and commercial uses in an area near transit, jobs and services. This site is part of the Affordable Housing Bond Initiative for high-impact [...]

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sunset over downtown asheville
City of Asheville shares update on the sale of Ramada to Shangri-La Industries, Inc.
Posted on by Kim Miller

The goal of creating a new site for permanent supportive housing in Asheville is one step closer to completion. On Friday, the City of Asheville announced that the purchase of the Ramada by Shangri-La Industries, Inc. had been finalized Thursday, September 15. The property, located at 148 River Ford Parkway, will create approximately 100 units [...]

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City of Asheville to co-host Affordable Housing Summit
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

The City of Asheville, along with partners Pisgah Legal Services and Buncombe County, will host the 2017 Affordable Housing Summit on September 29 at UNC Asheville’s Sherrill Center. The 2017 Affordable Housing Summit will bring together developers, investors, planners, local government officials, and policy experts in a day of discussions designed to encourage creative and replicable [...]

PostAffordable HousingNewsCommunity and Economic Development
City of Asheville to hold series of Bond Expos
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

The City of Asheville will hold a series of informational Bond Expos in October, with presentations led by Mayor Esther Manheimer. A question-and-answer session will follow the mayor’s presentation. Hand-out material with information about the three bond referendums that go before Asheville voters in the Nov. 8 general election will be provided. Here is the Bond [...]

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homelessness
City seeks input on potential use of HOME-ARP funding to address homelessness
Posted on by Kim Miller

  The City of Asheville, as the Participating Jurisdiction for the four-county Asheville Regional Housing Consortium is seeking public input to inform and prioritize use of a one-time $4.7 million allocation of HOME Investment Partnerships Program funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funding, known as “HOME-ARP,” is [...]

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City seeks proposals from developers for affordable housing on City land
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

The City of Asheville is seeking submittals from qualified developers to develop a City-owned parcel located at 338 Hilliard Avenue, currently in use but due to be vacated by the City’s Parks Maintenance Facility  by Jan. 1, 2017. The City is making this site available for a development of affordable multifamily rental housing. The Asheville City [...]

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Column: Lack of affordable housing a crisis for Asheville
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

In a guest column in the Asheville Citizen-Times, Asheville City Councilman Gordon Smith writes about how the City is working to address affordable housing: The lack of affordable housing in Asheville is truly a community crisis. While Asheville City Council is taking unprecedented steps to address it, we need more community partners to help provide affordable [...]

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Community Development and Housing Trust Fund applications open for 2015/2016
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

The City of Asheville’s Community and Economic Development Department is now accepting applications for CDBG and HOME grant funds, and for the Housing Trust Fund (HTF) for FY 2015-2016. The Community and Economic Development Department manages and administers programs for Asheville and for a four county consortium, consisting of Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania and Madison Counties, that provide [...]

PostAffordable HousingNewsCommunity and Economic Development
hands holding house icon
Community invited to provide input on potential use of HOME-ARP funding to address homelessness
Posted on by Christy Edwards

The City of Asheville, as the Participating Jurisdiction for the four-county Asheville Regional Housing Consortium, is seeking public input to inform and prioritize use of a one-time $4.7 million allocation of HOME Investment Partnerships Program funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funding, known as “HOME-ARP,” is [...]

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Deadline nears for block grant and investment partnership applications
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

This year the Community and Economic Development Department of the City of Asheville is requiring an online Webcast for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program applicants to view prior to submitting an application for funding. Please sign-in and view the webcast any time between Dec. 9 and Jan. 1, 2016, by going [...]

PostAffordable HousingNewsPlanning and Urban Design
Hilliard Ave fire
Fire damages affordable housing construction site and Aston Park Tennis Center
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

  On June 19, there was a fire at 360 Hilliard Ave. The location is the site of an affordable housing development under construction and slated to open later this year.    In June 2019, Asheville City Council voted to sell the land in support of an affordable housing mixed-income residential development. Local developer Kassinger Development Group [...]

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Affordable housing photo illustration
Hilliard Avenue affordable housing project to move forward under new agreement
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

  Asheville City Council on June 11 voted to sell City land at 360 Hilliard Ave. in support of an affordable housing/mixed use residential development. This vote will add 34 new affordable apartments in our community, in a downtown location close to jobs and community amenities.   Local developer Kassinger Development Group is working with the City on [...]

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Housing and Community Development survey needs your input!
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

The Asheville Regional Housing Consortium, through the City of Asheville Community and Economic Development Department is now preparing the 2015-2020 Consolidated Strategic Housing and Community Development Plan. This Plan will guide the distribution of federal HOME funds for affordable housing in Buncombe, Madison, Henderson and Transylvania Counties. These funds are available to non-profit agencies and [...]

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Housing market photo illustration
Housing market report looks at challenges in Asheville and surrounding counties
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

  The City of Asheville is releasing the Regional Housing Needs Assessment. The purpose of this report is to conduct a Housing Needs Assessment of the four-county region that includes and surrounds the city of Asheville. The four counties evaluated in this report include Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania. This evaluation takes into account the demographics, [...]

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Neighborhood groups invited to participate in Asheville Festival of Neighborhoods
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

The Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC) will hold the second annual Festival of Neighborhoods on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at A-B Tech in the Ferguson Auditorium at 2:00 p.m.  Asheville City Council established NAC to help strengthen the bonds of community and improve the quality of life for residents. This year’s festival will feature workshops focused on [...]

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Point-in-time count shows decrease in homelessness in Asheville-Buncombe
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

Access to affordable housing remains a challenge   On Jan. 27, 2016, the Asheville-Buncombe Homeless Initiative conducted the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count of homeless families and individuals. Overall numbers of those experiencing homelessness in our community have decreased since last year: 509 persons reported in January 2016 as compared to 562 persons in January 2015, which represents a [...]

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Q&A: How Asheville’s Housing Code Coordinator can assist renters who encounter substandard conditions
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

Renting a home or apartment? The City of Asheville can be a resource if you encounter substandard housing. The City’s Housing Code Coordinator investigates complaints about violations of the Minimum Housing Code.   Recognizing that most landlords or property managers maintain rental units properly, the Housing Code Coordinator can help a renter who encounters a building problem get resolution. [...]

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Read Asheville’s 5-year Housing Needs report
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

What are Asheville’s housing challenges? How will a changing population affect Asheville’s housing stock? And what needs must be met to ensure affordable housing is available in the future? Addressing Asheville’s housing conversation requires answers to those and other questions, which is why, every five years, the City of Asheville commissions a Housing Needs Assessment for [...]

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photos of The Retreat
Recap: Asheville City Council affordable housing worksession
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

  Asheville City Council held a worksession on affordable housing Sept. 6 at the U.S. Cellular Center Banquet Hall. During the session, Council reviewed the realities of local affordable housing needs, barriers to building affordable housing and the role of the City as a partner. Staff and outside speakers presented information on how we move forward together [...]

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Recap: Council votes to change regs for accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

You might call them backyard cottages. The official name is “accessory dwelling units: ADUs.” They are nothing new; you will find existing units dotted around town, sometimes as garage apartments. But ADUs are not as prevalent as you might expect in a city facing a housing shortfall. A few years ago the city’s Affordable Housing Advisory [...]

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Sized right: Accessory apartments offer affordable options
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

There’s a nationwide conversation brewing around something called accessory apartments. In the past few years, communities have examined these use by right additions to single-family residences, and are praising them for their contribution to affordable housing. Right here in Asheville, that conversation took place as early as 1948. “Garage” apartments are featured in the City’s first zoning [...]

PostAffordable HousingNewsPlanning and Urban Design
Sunday bus service among big changes coming to the ART
Posted on by avladmin

Beginning January 1, 2015, Asheville Redefines Transit will begin offering service on Sundays and improved service to the Emma and Oakley sections of Asheville. “Sunday service is at the top of our list for enhancements to the system, and was included as a high priority in the Transit Master Plan,” said Transportation Manager Mariate Echeverry. “This [...]

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The ART launches Sunday bus service
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

It’s here! ART buses now operate seven days a week. See below for the full announcement: ASHEVILLE – In a move to increase accessibility to public transportation and support the City of Asheville’s multimodal transportation goals, the ART, Asheville’s transit service, launched Sunday bus service on January 4, 2015. The expansion is the largest since the City [...]

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Anthony Foxx, Esther Manheimer
U.S. Transportation Secretary announces $14.6M grant for East of Riverway multimodal project
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

The announcement that the City of Asheville won $14.6 million in federal funding for transportation improvements in and around the River Arts District and adjacent neighborhoods advances the hard work and planning that has gone into that area. The TIGER VI award was announced September 12 during a visit by U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, [...]

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Video tour: City of Asheville offers affordable two-bedroom condo
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

The City of Asheville cares about affordable housing! We are excited to announce the availability of an affordable two-bedroom condominium unit within walking distance to downtown and McCormick Field. This condo is being offered at below market value and must be sold to an income-eligible household. The number to call if you are interested is 828-232-4599. Scroll [...]

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house in hands photo illustration
Video: Asheville’s Down Payment Assistance Program explained
Posted on by Polly McDaniel

The City of Asheville affordable housing bond referendum seeks to make home ownership available to low and moderate income city residents and staff. City Council took a step toward making those funds available when they adopted a Down Payment Assistance Policy resolution during their Feb. 26 meeting. Adoption of the policy paves the way for the [...]

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