Minutes - 20050929 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Mark Chilton stated that with lower income housing, it is not the best policy to set people up with septic systems because they call for $10,000 to be rebuilt down the road and there is no way for a family to afford that 20 or 30 years down the road. The risks are not there with a sewer system with the infrastructure costs spread across a lot of different customers. Building housing in rural areas that are five to fifteen miles away from shopping and employment is not good environmental planning. In addition to transferring development rights into the municipalities, he suggested transferring dej=elop~nent rights to areas of the County that are served by se«Ter and looking at denser development in those areas. Barry Jacobs suggested that density be moved to areas where services are available. John Herrera stated that he hears from developers that the development process is too long, and suggested that the process be streamlined for developers who wish to provide more than the required amount of affordable housing. What incentives can «~e provide to streamline the process that we have? If it takes longer the consumer pays for it. Who is? We should be looking at ways to set goals to reduce cost so we benefit everyone living in our community. Jacquelyn Gist said that two years ago, Carrboro officials met with homebuilders about policies and procedures that drive up the cost of housing. The number of times that developers have to bring back revised plans along t~~ith taxes increase the cost of housing. She stated that she would like to see the report from the town staff concerning this meeting. Mark Kleinsclunidt said that he hears from developers about the process being so long. There is nothing to excise from the process. They need to take some of the process and remove it from the part that costs money, i.e.. use the concept review process before they pay a lot of money. Diana I~~IcDuffee stated the developers have to keep resubmitting plans because they do not have things r~~orked out, i.e., stormwater, open space, vernacular architectural standards, etc. Jim Ward stated that if there was a way to reduce process costs, it does not mean the consumer will pay less. The market drives the price of the house. Eric Hallman stated that he 1~~ould like to see us focus on the consumer. l~loses Carey stated taxes and fees add to the cost of housing but he is not convinced it is the problem. Sally Green asked how vernacular architectural standards translate to affordable housing. telex Zaffron said the primary purpose of the vernacular architectural standards is to ensure that the affordable housing blends in with market rate houses. John Hen•era stated that the goverlunents need to agree on common goals for affordable housing. Joal Broun stated that all the boards look forward to seeing the Orange County Comprehensive Housing Strategy coming out on Monday. Jim Ward said that a major player is the University and they need to be part of this conversation. He stated that he is delighted to hear from the Chancellor that they are considering an affordable housing project in Carrboro's jurisdiction. He stated that he t~~°ants to work with the university and maximize those opportunities.