Agenda - 05-07-2013 - 5e - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Robert Dowling said he is not aware of this. He said he wrote a memo to the Board of County Commissioners asking for relief from some of the requirements if a home has not sold after a certain number of days. He said there are so many properties on the market and it is difficult to sell them, which puts a burden on CHT and makes the homeowners unhappy and frustrated. He said the memo requests relief from hurdles to allow interested buyers, who don't live or work here, to purchase the homes. Chair Jacobs clarified that theoretically people outside of the county will be purchasing the homes if the Board waives those hurdles and Robert Dowling said yes, after 90 days. Commissioner McKee asked if there was any thought to transfer these homes to rental properties, considering the number of homes on the market Robert Dowling said there are several hurdles and CHT needs to stay focused on home ownership not rentals. He said another issue is that special use permits that are approved by local governments refer to home ownership, not rentals. He said if HOME funds are involved then Orange County does have a say in some of the hurdles. Commissioner McKee said they may have to start thinking out of the box. Commissioner Rich said the same letter came to the Town Council several months ago and it stated there are certain steps before Durham residents are looked at, thus giving Orange County residents preference. She said that it may be time to view that memo again. Commissioner Dorosin asked if the CHT receives any discount on the HOA dues of condos in the high end markets. Robert Dowling said this is by project. He said that for East 54 there is no discount but there is a transfer fee whereby private sector owners pay a 1 % fee that is used to supplement dues. He said that Greenbridge also has transfer fees and at 140 West there is no transfer fee but there is an agreement with the Town of Chapel Hill. He said that it basically varies by project but that special assessments don't get built in and dues can rise, making transfer fees inadequate. Commissioner Dorosin asked if the subsidies mentioned are upfront or if they are additional with homeowner dues. Robert Dowling said that subsidies are put in at the initial sale, but because median income has declined and everything else goes up, creating the need to re- subsidize when it is transferred. Chair Jacobs said he gave Tara Fikes some suggested topics from the retreat to share with the joint meeting on March 12. Tara Fikes said their advisory board is reviewing the letter now. A motion was made by Commissioner Rich seconded by Commissioner McKee to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS FY 2013 — 2014 HOME Program Activities and Proiects Homeownership Assistance Y 2013 -2014 action Plan 5