Minutes 03-20-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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21 Commissioner Burroughs said that the typical stereotype of government employees has been blown out of the water by this situation, and the County staff is amazing. Sherrill Hampton said she has had conversations with Commissioner Jacobs about the Millhouse area, and Orange County is at the forefront of the issue of mobile home parks. She said Chatham County is also dealing with this issue, and the BOCC has stepped up and allowed staff the latitude to work this out. She said her vision for Millhouse Road is a brick entrance, green space, a playground, a resident-owned community, and permanent foundations. She said she would like to see a beautiful community with a variety of affordable housing types, preserving neighborhoods. She referred to ROCUSA, as an example, and said she would never support any development in which she herself would not want to live, or live next to. She asked if high density could be further defined . Craig Benedict said in this situation it means about 34 units on 10 acres gross, and mobile homes parks could be a bit higher. He said this is comparable to a small family neighborhood. Sherrill Hampton said when significant information is available there will be thorough conversations with the community, and she invited the BOCC to continue exploring all options with her. Commissioner Rich asked if a map can be provided to Mr. Kirchner. Commissioner Jacobs confirmed that there are two families from Homestead who are ready to move. Sherrill Hampton said that there are three now, with the possibility of five . She said staff has found a spot for one family. Commissioner Jacobs asked if the families could be reviewed again. Sherrill Hampton said there are 5 families, two of which will not speak with staff. She said of the three remaining families, one has found an alternate spot, and the remaining two await a solution. She said of the remaining two families, one has large work equipment and the second has 5 dogs. Chair Dorosin clarified that the one family, for whom staff has found an alternate spot, still requires the BOCC to approve this so that staff can move forward in helping them. Sherrill Hampton said yes. Commissioner Jacobs clarified that two are being approved that are not yet needed, but are expected to be needed later. Sherrill Hampton said yes, and they have moved in with children and will therefore still need some direct assistance. Commissioner Jacobs said he would prefer to use modular housing, as opposed to mobile homes, if immediate action is not required. He said he would rather not appropriate money for two more mobile homes, and would rather look at getting a handle on modular houses, whether on County owned parcels or otherwise. He said he is hesitant to commit to mobile homes due to their depreciating value. He said the County has limited capacity to provide housing, and he is uncomfortable using these funds to provide something with depreciating value. He said he lives across from a modular community, and would feel more comfortable if the County could pursue this option. Sherrill Hampton said modular homes will cost more, at least $79,900. She said there are three families that will be without a home very soon. Commissioner Jacobs said he would be more comfortable buying manufactured houses for those in imminent need, and buying modular housing for those in more speculative need, to be built on County owned land. He said modular homes would be less intrusive to people’s sense of what a community is. He said it may cost more short term, but will be worth more in the long term. Commissioner Marcoplos said he agreed, and it is important to be flexible to meet the immediate needs. He said with modular homes, there is another $15,000-20,000 to be spent