Minutes 11-01-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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13 Commissioner Burroughs said she will second Commissioner Dorosin's motion when it is made, and agrees with Robert Dowling as well. She referred to the issue of older adults and seniors, saying she would prefer to focus on those of the lowest income in this population. She asked if this is addressed in the scoring. Audrey Spencer-Horsley said it does get addressed in the scoring. Commissioner Dorosin said he is comfortable with this. Commissioner Rich asked if it is 50 to 80, or 60 to 80%. Travis Myren said Commissioner Dorosin suggested 60%. Commissioner Rich said she still sees a strong need for workforce housing, and would not want to drop lower in the 50-80%. She said changes can be made if necessary as things unfold. Commissioner Price said she agreed with focusing on the 0-60%, and getting rid of the caps. She asked if it known how much will be given for each unit. Audrey Spencer-Horsley said that almost all of the projects have other funding. She said the applicants or non-profits leverage these funds. She said there is also the urgent repair program, state tax credit program, other municipalities, etc. Commissioner Dorosin said no cap, no cap, 20%, no cap. Chair McKee said the goal is 1,000 units. He said the money will not stretch to 1,000 units, and the wording may need to change to "up to 1,000 units." Audrey Spencer-Horsley said the goal may be more attainable than expected. Commissioner Price said she votes strongly in favor of no caps. Chair McKee said he would like to try to favor the residents of Orange County, within I the limits before the Board. John Roberts said there may be a way to do that through the Housing Authority Board. Commissioner Jacobs asked if a certain point total could be added to the matrix for projects that offer housing to residents of Orange County or those who work in Orange County. John Roberts said that may be possible. Commissioner Dorosin said to check if that is legal for the providers to do. Chair McKee said he is not suggesting doing anything at this time, but it would be good as a driving thought for further discussion. John Roberts said he can look into that option, and thinks the Housing Authority may have federal authority to do something along those lines. Commissioner Jacobs said his basic concern is to address the needs of the residents of Orange County, and those who work here. He said there is such a vacuum at the State and Federal level, and the County's work may end up be subsumed by the needs of millions, if care is not taken to avoid it. Delores Bailey, Affordable Housing Provider, said the Board's intention is good, but she is sensitive to those who use to live in Orange County and were priced out. She said she is unsure of how to undo this reality and bring these people back to Orange County. She said a homeless person has no address, so their residency is unclear. She said the whole topic binds her up. Commissioner Jacobs asked if Delores Bailey would feel more comfortable if the wording addressed those who work, reside or have resided in Orange County. Delores Bailey said that adds another level of fact checking into the process. She said she has great interest in those who work in Orange County but have to live elsewhere. Commissioner Burroughs said, to some extent, the County is already in the vacuum described by Commissioner Jacobs. She asked if people are already moving in from other states to secure affordable housing.