Minutes 01-30-2018 AOG - Laserfiche WebLink

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18 Council Member Parker said as one looks at the constellation of mobile home parks, most of these homes are not mobile. He said if the residents are displaced, residents will need more: a new home and other needs met. He said he is concerned that they are not thinking largely enough about these problems. He said hundreds of units will be unmovable, and residents will not only need land to live on, but homes to live in. He said the Millhouse site is being considered, but the mobile homes cannot be relocated, only the people. He said water and sewer would be best to serve these people in the long run, as well as the park. Council Member Bell said some people’s dream is to live in a mobile park, because it represents an ecosystem where they are able to support themselves. She said it can give access to jobs, childcare, good schools, etc. She said mobility is a privilege, and it is affordable. She said they must be as creative as possible, and there is not a model that will work for everyone. Sherrill Hampton said there needs to be a vibrant community for these residents. Commissioner Price referred to recommendation #3, and the reality of scattering people to different parts of the County. She said those who live in Chapel Hill and Carrboro should be able to remain in these towns. She said very few properties have been considered in these towns. Craig Benedict said the County has worked with the Towns, and there are very few places left in Chapel Hill and Carrboro to develop, without demolishing existing properties. He said the price of land in Chapel Hill is prohibitive. He said staff will continue to explore any areas. He said existing mobile home parks in Hillsborough are being reviewed, and the County is working with local public transportation providers to improve mobility and connectivity throughout the County. Commissioner Price asked if the cost to site a tiny home is known. Commissioner Marcoplos said that is a complicated question, and could be discussed in greater detail at a later date. Sherrill Hampton said there may be room for entrepreneurship opportunities within the skills of the residents, and staff is trying to have a broad menu to bring back to the BOCC. Commissioner Rich asked if Chapel Hill would consider how it will utilize the American Legion Property on Legion Road. She said this is 35 acres, and would be a perfect piece of land for affordable housing and re-location, due to its proximity to public transportation, and shopping areas. Commissioner Jacobs said Millhouse Road is being considered because the County already owns it, but the County has set aside a lot of capital funds to help address this problem. He said the BOCC is committed to moving forward to address as many short-term problems as it can, and to work collaboratively on long-term opportunities. Alderman Haven O’Donnell thanked the people that came out tonight to hear this discussion. She said she is taken with Council Member Bell’s comments, and the importance of respecting the dignity of where and how residents currently live. She encouraged all to think creatively, as well as create a coalition of people who can take action. Council Member Oates said there are some constraints with relocating undocumented residents, and at some point she would like to learn more about these constraints in order to better problem solve. Commissioner Marcoplos said the Board of County Commissioners had the foresight to anticipate these displacements, and thought of Millhouse as a possible relocation site. He said he looks forward to all governments working cooperatively, and learning from each experience. Council Member Stegman said the resident owned community model is the model that should be pursued, as it allows residents to build community and equity. She said all of the properties that Chapel Hill owns, or has access to, should be considered.