Allen Iverson Is Bringing Affordable Housing Home to Newport News

A major win for Hampton Roads is officially on the board: an affordable housing development backed by NBA icon Allen Iverson is moving forward in Newport News, WTKR News reports. The Newport News City Council has approved a rezoning request for the project in the Denbigh community, clearing the way for a plan that will bring 120 affordable apartments to families across the region.

The development has been a long time coming. Earlier this year, the council initially voted against the proposal after neighbors raised concerns about traffic congestion near Fort Eustis, Complex reports. Since then, developers have returned with updates and solutions that address those concerns head-on, including plans to widen the road leading to the apartments and to add a turn lane on Fort Eustis Boulevard. After months of discussion, revisions, and community feedback, the city gave the “Iverson Landing” project the green light.

Iverson, a Newport News native, has spent years advocating for affordable housing in the communities that helped shape him. While he did not attend the council meeting, the vision behind the project reflects his ongoing commitment to creating access and opportunity for working families in Hampton Roads. The apartments are designed to serve families throughout the region, aligning with the city’s broader efforts to expand housing access.

Not everyone welcomed the development without hesitation. Local resident Sean Fowler, who lives near the site, has shared concerns for months about how the project could impact traffic. “It’s going to create traffic jams in the morning and we think people are going to get anxious to leave the apartment place and that’s going to create an environment for accidents to happen,” Fowler said. Still, even he acknowledged the reality of development, adding, “You bought here because of the trees. It makes you feel like you’re in the woods, but on the flip side to that, it’s not our land so it’s not land that belongs to you and someone wants to buy it and do something with it. There’s only so much you can do to complain about it.”

Developer Alvin Keels, Jr., has emphasized that the team is committed to delivering a high-quality community and to honoring the promises made throughout the approval process. “I want everyone to hear that we are committed to developing a very nice project. If approved, we’re definitely going to hold up our end of the bargain and we look forward to bringing something nice to Newport News,” Keels said.

With zoning approved and plans moving ahead, the Iverson-backed development represents more than just new construction. It signals investment, hometown pride, and a tangible step toward housing solutions that meet the needs of real families. Groundbreaking is expected within the next 18 to 24 months, bringing Newport News one step closer to turning this long-discussed vision into reality.

Cover photo: Allen Iverson Is Bringing Affordable Housing Home to Newport News/Photo credit: Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot