Minutes 02-07-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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10 Commissioner Price said if there are projects that are ready, and if organizations are ready, can the process be accelerated. Travis Myren said the money would be authorized this year. He said some time has been built in for application workshops, and some weeks may be able to be cut off. PUBLIC COMMENT: Yvette Matthews is from the Community Empowerment Fund, who paid a large part in the passing of the affordable housing bond. She said she knows many homeless people, and this bond is so important to her organization. She is supportive of these efforts, and hopes building will start soon. Chinita Howard said she came to this County to interview a client, but had a seizure on the way to that meeting, and she remained here for the medical facilities. She found a home, which she thought was affordable, but upon arrival found it to be bug infested. She said she went to the owners, neighbors, etc., to explain about this, but had to leave after 30 days. She found a new place at the Crest for $540, and stayed there five years until rent went up to fair market value, which was $1,110. She reviewed the many places she went and the waiting lists, and then she lived in the woods in the fall of 2016 for two months. She said most people like teachers cannot afford to live in Orange County. Brittany Bullock said she is a community advocate at the Community Empowerment Fund and InterFaith Council (IFC). She said it is difficult seeing her clients coming for assistance with affordable housing, and not being able to provide any. She is in support of affordable housing efforts. Soteria Shepperson said she works mainly with the IFC and assists them in many areas, including trying to find affordable housing when they leave the IFC. She implored the Board to find the value in the people. She said she is supportive of affordable housing efforts to support hard working members of the community. Susan Levy said thank you to the Board of County Commissioners for expediting this process, and it is moving quickly. She referred to the criteria about giving points to those who are already living in Orange County, and said points need to be given to those who work in Orange County. She said she is unclear about the RFP for County-owned properties, and asked if a donation of property at zero cost would be considered. Robert Dowling said there is a need for affordable rental housing. He said this process is very quick. He agreed with Susan Levy about assigning points for those living in the county or working in the county. He said as far as the land, he would hope Orange County would donate the land for affordable housing. He said he hopes all partners would continue to work collaboratively through this process. Allan Rosen said he agreed that those working in Orange County should receive the same consideration as a resident. He said this spring they will know how much $2.5 million will be able to buy and afford. He thinks this amount may need to be supplemented down the line to reach 1000 units in five years. Delores Bailey said affordable rentals are what are needed in Orange County, and this is a countywide need. She said it is urgent to get this process moving, and the money allocated. Chair Dorosin asked Travis Myren if the resolution for disposing of property does allow the Board to donate County property to one the providers. Travis Myren said yes. Commissioner Burroughs referred to the terms of scoring, and suggested adding a word or two to capture those that work in Orange County, as opposed to just residents. John Roberts said he has no objection to that suggestion.