Minutes 03-12-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

3 Commissioner Dorosin said the Board needs to re-visit the policy of this model with high end condo units and the sustainability issues that come with requiring unit set-asides. He said that integrated housing is desired, but issues like this and problems with homeowner association dues can outweigh the different price point units. He said there should be more control over how the units are designed and function in the future. He said the Board needs to really look at how it is using financial and political resources. Commissioner Rich said this discussion always occurs when development projects come forward. She said that the affordable housing program always wants units, but a plan needs to be made that considers a balance of the issues. Commissioner Dorosin said the lesson learned with Abby Court is that the homeowners associations are controlled by the majority of the unit holders; and the majority is not the affordable housing residents. This means that those low income residents are at the mercy of the association. Chair Jacobs said Orange County government does not require any condo units; that is done by the towns. He said Robert Dowling did ask the towns to re-visit this issue. He said unless they engage the municipalities in this discussion, affordable housing in the southern part of the county is not under the Board's purview. He said perhaps promotion of high density housing is desired so that affordable units are possible; however this means the Board needs to have its own policy. He said that, with this building, he would like to see if there are any other systems like this that will become an issue a year from now. Commissioner Rich said the Bosch washers and dryers are the same situation. Chair Jacobs asked if anyone has done a comparative analysis of the pitfalls of these units, Robert Dowling said an analysis has not been done. He said there has been a transfer fee tax implemented that will support affordable units, and as units sell, these fees will help. He said that there will be special assessments and there is money for some of these unknowns, but there is not enough money to pay for the HVAC units. Commissioner Price clarified that if the Board goes along with this request, the money will pay for new units, not repairs. Robert Dowling said CHT could handle the small repairs. Katherine Doom said AHAB did ask extensive questions during their tour of Greenbridge. She said that there are no good answers here. She said AHAB spoke with owners of units and saw both a low end and a high end unit. She acknowledged that there is not a good way to resolve this issue. Tara Fikes said the recommendation of AHAB is for these funds to be set aside for the requested services. She has talked with the Orange County Finance Director, who said it is okay to move forward. She said the recommendation is for approval of the requested funds. Katherine Doom said there was no way to avoid hurting the homeowners if the funds are not approved. Commissioner McKee said Robert Dowling mentioned another style that could possibly be put in the units. He requested that Robert Dowling let the Board know the answer as to whether this could be done. - HOME Program — Live/Work and First-time Homebuyer Requirements Tara Fikes said the second letter in front of the Commissioners came from CHT and highlights the difficulties CHT is having in selling homes. She said the request is for the HOME review committee to be relieved of the Live/Work clause (having to work and live in Orange County). She said the request is that if a buyer cannot be found in Orange County within 90 days, CHT would like to look outside of Orange County to broaden the pool of purchases. She said there is also a request to waive the first time home buyer requirement after 90 days. She