Minutes 11-10-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Craig Benedict said in existing mobile parks there are about 800 unused lots, and the reason for this needs to be determined so that they can possibly be filled. Craig Benedict said some in Efland are thinking about updating their parks now that they are on water and sewer, which could possibly lead to greater density. Chair McKee asked if there was a process for determining the 800 unused mobile home lots. Ashley Moncado, Special Projects Planner, said the tax office puts out this information, and it is gathered by a voluntary survey to the park owners. She said the accuracy is therefore unsure, and the County has not put boots on the ground yet. Chair McKee suggested that staff do so. Audrey Spencer-Horsley said one of the recommendations is to have their housing inspectors go out in the field. She said there was a mobile home inventory done in 2009, and an update of this information is necessary. Commissioner Dorosin said it is important to speak with the residents of the mobile home parks, not just the owners. He said many residents live in unsafe conditions and desire to get out of these parks, if possible. Commissioner Burroughs said Justice United is doing some of that already, and there is an opportunity for collaboration. Commissioner Burroughs said if the County is making investments, it should be kept in mind that stick built homes are safer, especially for emergency situations. Commissioner Price said people should be encouraged to live in stick built homes, but many prefer a manufactured home. Commissioner Pelissier referenced the pieces of property that were excluded due to lack of water and sewer and asked if some of these properties could still be used for things like tiny homes. She suggested that these parcels of land should not automatically be excluded. Commissioner Jacobs said he would like to know how the tax office assesses mobile homes, as they are often considered to decline in value. He said all options should be considered before deciding which direction to go in. Commissioner Jacobs said he appreciated the idea of a neutral third party reaching out to renters and owners of mobile homes. He said the mobile home renters and owners may perceive such a person as a threat and possible resistance should be anticipated. He said it might be relevant to look at what other counties are doing, such as Wake County. Commissioner Dorosin said he was not suggesting for Orange County to buy or own units. Chair McKee said if the County considers purchasing land in the future, the underused mobile home parks should be identified, as they may be possibilities for other housing options. Bonnie Hammersley said the third party consultant could keep land-banking options in mind while assessing the mobile home parks. Chair McKee said this is a wise option. Commissioner Rich referred to the property at 1801 Ephesus Church Road in Chapel Hill and asked if the Town of Chapel Hill has been approached about a possible partnership on this property. Jeff Thompson said he has not visited this site, but there are discussions taking place with the Town of Chapel Hill about this site as well as other sites. He said Chapel Hill is completing the same exercise as the County in identifying property for their affordable housing inventory. Commissioner Jacobs said Orange Water and Sewer Association (OWASA) also has parcels they do not know what to do with, and suggested that staff contact them to see if there are any parcels that could be conveyed for affordable housing purposes.