FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Statesville City Council on Monday approved a special-use permit, clearing the way for Purple Heart Homes to construct four additional tiny homes on property owned by Fifth Street Ministries.

The four homes, which will be used to house homeless veterans, will be built on two lots at 1428 Fifth Street. Each 320-square-foot home will include a small deck. The small development will include eight parking spaces.

The property is located near the Fifth Street Ministries Shelter, where the tiny homes residents can access services.

Purple Heart Homes Chief Development Officer Paul Cockerham said the nonprofit, which was founded in Statesville by veterans John Gallina and Dale Beatty, hopes to use this project as a model for other communities across the state.

“Wherever the need is, that’s where we want to go,” he said.

Purple Heart Homes previously partnered with Fifth Street to build two other tiny homes for homeless veterans on a lot behind the shelter. There have been no issues with that development, according to Tammy Burchette, a project manager for Purple Heart Homes.

“We’ve made some veterans happy that had not had hope before,” she said.

City staff recommended approval of the property subdivision and the special-use permit. Council members voted unanimously to approve the project.