Orange County NC Website
and developing at the current density at the property in R-1 would not be financially feasible for <br /> Habitat. Please note we understand that the requested density is within the anticipated density <br /> contained in the 10-year Transition Area. <br /> Finding #2: Maintain or enhance the value of contiguous properties. The design for <br /> Tinnin Woods was worked on and refined over many months, incorporating the ideas and <br /> expertise of Habitat staff inembers on the site, which includes planning and design <br /> professionals. We devote organizational resources to provide training and mentoring for our <br /> homeowners to support them in the transition to homeownership and provide the leadership <br /> training to help develop strong homeowners' associations. Homes are built to very high quality <br /> standards using volunteers, but overseen by a professional staff. All of our homes are Energy <br /> Star green certified, and have fire and safety sprinkler systems. We are also proposing curb <br /> and gutter to create and maintain a positive curb appeal over time. We are committed to <br /> improving neighborhoods where we build. Fairview is an example of that. We will be cleaning <br /> up the existing property, which currently has been a dumping ground for trash and garbage. <br /> I've walked that property, I know that. And there are unsafe, dilapidated structures that we will <br /> remove. Additionally, upgrading the water line from three to eight inches will increase the water <br /> pressure in the area and probably decrease homeowners' insurance for those surrounding <br /> properties. <br /> Finding #3: Location and harmony in the area in which we are located. The surrounding <br /> area is residential and our homes will be similar in size of those currently in the area. The <br /> proximity of the elementary school within the community and the fact that the property has <br /> access to public water and sewer and will add additional customers to the Efland sewer system, <br /> making it more financially sustainable. <br /> Thank you for your consideration and I urge your support of our application. <br /> David Godschalk: I'm a member of the Habitat Site Committee and a land use <br /> planning professor at the University of North Carolina for some 45 years. From a planning <br /> perspective, does this project make sense? Well, I think it does because it fills a large need for <br /> affordable housing in Orange County. The density is appropriate near the elementary school; <br /> you want to put the students and the people closer to the public facilities that serve them. It <br /> provides public utilities, water and sewer service, public roads. The buffers seem to be <br /> appropriate, since it's not necessary to separate adjacent residential land uses. It's better to <br /> connect them. The proposed subdivision attributes to the public welfare in providing access <br /> roads and increased size water mains that will benefit the adjacent properties. This is the well <br /> design, low to moderate intensity subdivision in an appropriate location, and it's consistent with <br /> the Orange County Comprehensive Plan. Thank you. <br /> Joann Mitchell: I live on Cain Drive in Efland, in Efland Estates. I'm a Habitat <br /> homeowner and I also serve on the Habitat board of directors. As a resident of Efland, I have <br /> been very active in working with the County, Justice United, and the homeowners of Richmond <br /> Hills and Ashwick subdivision to find a way to keep the sewer rates in Efland affordable. I am <br /> very glad that the County has worked with us to keep this rate from going higher than first <br /> projected. With the economic development growth, the addition of 28 more homes will help <br /> make the Efland sewer system more financially sustainable. I lived and work in public housing <br /> for over 50 years. As a community organizer, I work with Chapel Hill's housing department self- <br /> sufficient program, and I recommend Habitat to many public housing agencies as a home <br /> ownership opportunity. After collaborating with all Chapel Hill housing programs, I knew that <br /> Habitat was the most affordable home on the program and I sought the same opportunity for my <br />