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38 �. <br /> development plan, but not require it if the singular <br /> goal was the provision of affordable housing. <br /> Collins stated that another issue is "what is <br /> affordable housing?" The proposal as worded <br /> allows those earning 100% of the median family <br /> income to be considered as eligible for affordable <br /> housing. It has been suggested that the State <br /> median income rather than that of Orange County be <br /> used. The HUD definition of low and moderate income <br /> housing is 80% of median family income, and Collins <br /> suggested that figure be used. Use of that figure <br /> (80% of median) would mean that a family of four <br /> could afford a house costing $100,000 or less. <br /> The average house constructed in Orange County at <br /> the present time ranges between $135,000 -$140,000. <br /> In response to a question by Katz regarding median <br /> income, Collins noted that HUD has a breakdown by <br /> jurisdictions, including rural and urban Orange. The <br /> figure being used is that those for rural Orange. <br /> Brown expressed concern that the housing cost <br /> figure quoted by Collins only included the <br /> structure, not the land. Brown continued, asking <br /> the value of mobile homes and double wides in the <br /> County. Collins responded $38,000 - $40,000. She <br /> noted this seemed to be considered affordable. <br /> Collins continued that Farmers Home Administration <br /> housing costs would range from $80,000 to $100,000. <br /> Katz asked if the Board of Commissioners had defined <br /> affordable housing. Collins responded that the <br /> Commissioners generally use HUD criteria employed by <br /> the County's Housing and Community Development <br /> Department. He continued that Donna Dyer of Orange <br /> Housing Corporation works with affordable housing <br /> projects, and she follows the same criteria. Those <br /> who Habitat works with would fall in the same <br /> category or range. <br /> Brown stated that she felt it was more reasonable to <br /> consider $40,000 - $60,000, including the cost of <br /> the land, as affordable housing. She suggested that <br /> additions be made to this section in the Flexible <br /> Development proposal to address the other types of <br /> housing that qualify as affordable housing. <br /> This would better define the issue of affordable <br /> housing. <br /> Allison agreed that he felt the figures noted by <br /> Brown were more in line with affordable housing. <br /> Waddell noted that the 80% figure from HUD was the <br />