Minutes 12-04-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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16 Chair Dorosin referred to the maps at the Commissioners’ places, and said he would like some zoomed in versions of some of these maps; specifically more detailed information on the following ones: percent minority by census track; median household income; the more anomalous parcels, in order to know exactly where they are. Chair Dorosin asked if these maps could be emailed to the Board. PUBLIC COMMENT: Robert Dowling, Community Home Trust Director, thanked the Board of County Commissioners for its continued support of affordable housing. He said he hopes that the next plan in 2020 will better reflect the collaborative efforts in Orange County, and will be more focused on how to spend funds. He thanked Orange County staff for their work with the Community Home Trust (CHT). He also wanted to thank Bonnie Hammersley and Annette Moore for their help with the Landings at Winmore; and wanted to acknowledge the efforts of Sherrill Hampton, noting her attitude is to help CHT, while also holding them accountable. Delores Bailey is the Executive Director of EmPOWERment, Inc. She thanked the BOCC for its continued support of affordable housing. She said EmPOWERment was part of the creation of the consolidated plan, and her takeaway from this hard work is that there is a tremendous need for affordable rentals for those residents and employees of Orange County living at the low income and poverty levels. She said EmPOWERment is committed to increasing the amount of rental properties for these populations, and provided an update on its current efforts. Keith Cook said he is a member of the Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB), which is moving too slowly, as there is still not enough money for affordable apartments. He said he has heard that Dobbins Hill is up for sale, and is a property that should be protected for affordable usage. Commissioner McKee said the reduction in funding is concerning (down almost 60%), and asked if there is any indication of future funding. Sherrill Hampton said the decline seems to be a continuing trend, and she said HOME did not fare well is the congressional budget. Commissioner Price said at one point the Federal government was going to totally cut all of the housing funding, but this action was prevented and it remains at level funding. She said it is essential that any funds received be used, so that the need is clearly demonstrated. Commissioner Jacobs said the funding decline is based on political philosophy that being poor is a choice, and that the government should not reward this choice. Commissioner Jacobs asked if Sherrill Hampton was involved with Dobbins Hill. Sherrill Hampton said she is looking into this property, and will provide updated information to the Manager as soon as possible. Commissioner Jacobs asked if the report could include the County’s history of involvement with this property. Commissioner Marcoplos said he would like information on any other projects that may be available, or at risk of being bought and no longer used for affordable housing. Sherrill Hampton said she has been working with the Manager and the Deputy Manager on a restructured framework for her department, which will lay out the funding provided by the BOCC, based on the priorities from the Consolidated Plan as well as the BOCC. She said this will come back to the BOCC in February. A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Rich to close the public hearing.