The Elkhart City Council has approved a new affordable housing project planned for Sterling Avenue next to Sterling Park.

Council members voted unanimously to support the development, which will bring 42 housing units to the area. The project will include seven townhome-style buildings.

The homes are designed for people earning below eighty percent of the area’s median income.

It will operate as a rent-to-own program, giving qualifying families the chance to eventually buy the home instead of just renting, creating a path toward homeownership.