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Commissioner Halkiotis thanked Ms. Gates and asked about page 24 where there is a statement <br />by her. He read the statement, as follows, "As a developer, she feels that governmental changes requiring <br />additional costs for the builder are a primary barrier to affordable housing. It's not an easy process." He <br />asked for a few examples of what she was talking about. Bonnie Gates said that being a builder and a <br />developer, there are regulations that have been implemented that are necessary, but some of them <br />increase the cost of affordable housing and almost make it prohibitive. One that has not been approved is <br />that you cannot burn debris and there are tip fees that may be implemented, which will drastically increase <br />costs for lots. There is a lot of uncertainty for developers when they begin to process an application for <br />development. Some things are required that may or may not be in the regulations. It often takes a <br />minimum of two years for a development to be approved and processed. All of this contributes to the high <br />cost of housing. Land cost is also extremely high in Orange County. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis said that Chair Jacobs has set up a meeting this Thursday morning with <br />local contractors to discuss debris removal and clearing of land. These are issues that can run up the cost <br />of building and development and they need to know these things. He thanked Ms. Gates for pointing it out <br />and having the courage to say it. He wanted her to know that Orange County government is looking into <br />this issue even before this report was given. <br />Commissioner Carey made reference to the chart on page 15 and if it represented the place of <br />residence ar place of employment. Milan Pham said that it was based on place of residence. A large <br />portion of the tenured faculty at Chapel Hill also live in Chapel Hill. <br />Chair Jacobs cautioned staff and advisory boards not to mix up median and average. Using <br />average housing costs is deceptive compared to median because there are some extremely expensive <br />houses that skew the numbers. Regarding the suggestions far improvement, he likes the idea of an <br />advertising campaign. He suggested getting the real estate community involved in this. He suggested <br />doing a press release about this report. Bonnie Gates said that she is a realtor and there is an ongoing <br />committee for affordable housing. <br />Chair Jacobs made reference to item 8-n, the breastfeeding education and support program, <br />where the federal government has cut funding. He asked that staff connect with the Commission for <br />Women and look into it. The County has just extended it far two months. <br />6-c. Resort of the Efland Cheeks Park (Phase II1 Conceot Plan Review Committee <br />The Board received a report of the Efland-Cheeks Park (Phase 2} Concept Plan Review <br />Committee and provided feedback and direction to staff regarding the proposed Phase 2 facilities, which <br />staff can then incorporate into a draft site plan. <br />Environment and Resource Conservation Director Dave Stancil said that voters approved a park <br />band in 2001 and it included $250,000 for additional facilities and park development at Efland Cheeks Park. <br />In June 2003 the concept plan review committee was appointed and Commissioner Carey and <br />Commissioner Halkiotis were appointed to this committee. The committee completed work in 35 days. He <br />made a PowerPaint presentation. <br />Background <br />Co-located with Efland Cheeks Elementary School <br />County, OCS agreement on park <br />Concept Plan developed for park - 1996 <br />Phase 1 constructed using 1997 County bonds, opened 2000 <br />Concept Plan Review Committee <br />Review Existing Concept Plan <br />Use Guiding Principles from Board <br />Develop recommendations for Phase 2 of park <br />Recommended Phase 2 Facilities <br />Picnic shelter <br />