Minutes - 19920401 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

2 in Orange County. Section II is a five-year approach to addressing these needs, and Section III is a one-year strategy, describing actions to be taken during the Federal fiscal year, October 1, 1991 through September 30, 1992. She listed some of the opportunities for developing projects which will provide affordable housing. There are many programs in Orange County which provide affordable housing and it is proposed that all these groups work together in a total effort except for Habitat for Humanity. Ms. Dyer presented a transparency showing the existing programs and the new federal programs being offered. She listed the goals and objectives of the CHAS. She pointed out that no local jurisdiction qualifies as a federal entitlement. There would need to be a consortium formed with another county. This would require an interlocal agreement. She feels the matching funds would be 25~. Based on population this would mean allocations of $100,000 from Orange County and Chapel Hill, $30,000 from Carrboro and $20,000 from Hillsborough. Other than money can be used as a match. No matching funds will be required the first year. A public hearing is scheduled for April 22 to inform the citizens of the agreement and what is proposed for providing affordable housing in Orange County. The local jurisdictions must enter into an agreement by June 30, 1992. In answer to a question from Mayor Kinnaird, Ms. Dyer indicated that having staff or board members interested in affordable housing would be sufficient to enter into the agreement. Also, the Orange Community Housing Board will be restructured to limit the number of representatives from each jurisdiction. Hillsborough Commissioner Carol Lorenz expressed a concern that no one is getting to the root cause of why housing costs are so high. There are a lot of added costs imposed on housing by local governments because of regulations. She feels that local government has the power to reduce the cost of housing. Aldermen Hilliard Caldwell feels that the cost for basic utilities is prohibitive. He would like for OWASA to join in this effort. to provide affordable housing. Ms. Dyer noted that the program is flexible. If a private developer comes up with a proposal to provide this housing, it can be considered and approved. It was pointed out that the University is a major factor in the high cost of housing and that there should be some coordination with the University. They have a large amount of acreage which could be used for this purpose. It was the consensus of the elected officials that this collaboration is a great step forward and that the time schedule should keep everyone moving toward a decision.