Minutes 02-23-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6 development, which received PIL. He said with Collins Ridge there is a CASA project for rentals. Commissioner Rich referred to the economic development section about senior housing on 271 acres off of 1-40, and asked if any of this will be affordable housing. Margaret Hauth said as of now, she did not see that in the plan. Commissioner Rich asked if there is a way to request that this type of housing be included in the plan. Margaret Hauth said it is an application under Orange County Planning review, so one would need to request more information as this application is brought forward. She said the application has only just been submitted, so it may not be ripe for BOCC discussion yet. Chair Dorosin said he was encouraged to see all of the affordable housing coming into the developments in Hillsborough. Mayor Stevens said Town board is very concerned with substandard housing in Hillsborough. Commissioner Ferguson asked if there is a way to work with the County's apparatus in helping residents moving out of housing that contains mold or animal feces. She asked if this would involve the Health Department, the Non-profit sector, etc. She said habitable homes are needed in many areas, and the renters cannot speak up for fear of eviction. Commissioner Jacobs said Orange County has an urgent home repair program, but the property owners would have to be involved. He said Habitat for Humanity has a similar program. Commissioner Ferguson said painting over black mold is not an appropriate solution, and there has to be a solution for these types of problems. Commissioner Price said some people own their homes, and few know how to access help. Margaret Hauth said most of the programs in the Town requires that the property owner to be income eligible, which is not often the case. Commissioner Marcoplos asked if there is a way to determine the number of homes that are in disrepair. Margaret Hauth said there is no systematic method for this, as people do not want to be evicted. She said knowing about all these homes would warrant a reaction, and it may be too large a problem to fix. Commissioner Marcoplos said he delivered meals on wheels for years, and he could have recorded these types of homes. He said most were seniors. Commissioner Price said if renters report issues, they are at at risk of losing their housing. Chair Dorosin said a better job must be done with the voucher program, which could perhaps incentivize the homeowners to improve the rental homes. Chair Dorosin said there are apps that can be used to report homes. Chair Dorosin said Orange County has put money aside in their Capital Investment Plan (CIP) to look at manufactured housing. 2. Economic Development a) Downtown Improvements and Redevelopment (update of downtown improvements**, downtown redevelopment opportunities*, former Colonial Inn update* b) Economic Development District (EDD) Development and Infrastructure* (update on sewer extension**; commercial development recruitment*)