Minutes 03-12-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 Robert Dowling said this had been considered but there are complications, including; subsidy money in the property, restrictive special use permits, and workload of rental management. Chair Jacobs said he appreciated Commissioner Gordon's comments but he agrees with Commissioner Dorosin. He said that he defers to Robert Dowling's expertise and he feels there needs to be more flexibility. He suggested that a date six months from now be chosen and a report be given at that point to see how things are going. Chair Jacobs suggested that, at some point, Robert Dowling share with the full board the points he made at a past Assembly of Governments meeting. He said this would give a more comprehensive look at the issues that CHT and affordable housing in general, are facing. Frank Clifton noted that Robert Dowling had already said the current model was created 15 years ago and it is not currently working. He said that he understands that CHT does not want to do rentals, but when the units sit empty for 6 months, it becomes a philosophical issue, and perhaps there ought to be rentals in order to generate income. He said there ought to be a more in-depth discussion about these things to decide on the key priorities. He said there are going to be fewer and fewer federal dollars over time and so there needs to be an analysis of how to get the best bang for the dollars that are there. Commissioner Gordon said it is a good idea to go back and look at the model again. She said that goals and priorities need to be examined again and the incremental changes being discussed at this meeting don't get at the basic issues. Affordable Housing Awareness Campaign AHAB Member Katherine Doom said that a UNC marketing class took up this cause as a case study in class and surveyed the community about affordable housing. This survey revealed a general lack of awareness of the issue. She said that the class put together an awareness campaign, which initiated AHAB to begin a media campaign through Facebook to raise awareness about the issue and the opportunities in the county. AHAB manages the page and plans on posting meeting information, and special events and opportunities. There is also a brochure planned on affordable housing. IV. Proposed Affordable Housing Clearinghouse AHAB Member James Stroud distributed a hand out on the Clearinghouse. He said the goal is to impose this clearinghouse to have a catch all, one stop shop for all things regarding affordable housing. He referenced a copy of the business statement and said the current goal is to develop a committee to come in and assist in the design of a clearinghouse. He noted that the Center for Home Ownership has received national accreditation from the National Community Re-investment Coalition, so the capacity is there for this project to be pulled together. V. Other Discussion Items VI. Closing Statements Chair Jacobs suggested a work session with affordable housing in October with a longer time for discussion. VII. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 6:59 PM .