Orange County NC Website
4 <br /> Commissioner Greene asked if there is an update regarding exploring "affordable <br /> housing incentive options." <br /> Loryn Clark said other than the employee incentive program, there are none. She said <br /> this is also a future project. <br /> Commissioner Greene referred to properties on the south side of Elliot Road that had <br /> been held back in hopes to encourage the developer community with affordable housing, and <br /> she recalled that this was not too successful. She asked if any other ideas have come about, <br /> especially in regards to voluntary density bonuses. <br /> Loryn Clark said staff is coming back to the Council with some recommendations on how <br /> to pursue incentive options in the Blue Hill District. <br /> Commissioner Price asked if the current housing needs could be identified, as well as <br /> the projections for the next 5-10 years. <br /> Loryn Clark said she does not have a specific number for the need, but there is a <br /> tremendous need, anecdotally. She said staff is trying to set some targets for creation of <br /> housing over the next 5 years: 400 new units, and preserve 200-300 units. <br /> Commissioner Price asked if there is any data to show how much the needle moved. <br /> Loryn Clark said some market studies have been completed over the years, but she <br /> does not have those numbers off the top of her head. <br /> Commissioner Price referred to the rental incentives for employees, and asked what <br /> would happen if the landlord raises the rent. She said this is a one-time thing, and wonders <br /> how it is sustainable. <br /> Loryn Clark said staff has presented this as a pilot program, and will review it. She said <br /> it is a one-time payment that is offered to an employee for rental assistance. <br /> Commissioner Price asked if this is an issue because Town employees' wages are not <br /> meeting the median income. She asked if wages needed to be increased. <br /> Pam Hemminger said it is more an issue of the cost of housing in this community. <br /> Rachel Schaevitz arrived at 7:14 p.m. <br /> Commissioner Greene said they are in the same federal group as Durham, and the <br /> average income base includes Durham, which brings the average down. <br /> Commissioner Greene referred to the "update payments-in-lieu for home ownership <br /> units," and said she recalled the need to review/update the inclusionary signing ordinance. She <br /> asked if this ordinance is going to be looked at. <br /> Loryn Clark said the Housing Advisory Board plans to review the payment-in-lieu and the <br /> ordinance. <br /> Council Member Oates said the rental piece given to the employees is an incentive, not <br /> a subsidy. She said it is to encourage employees to live in Chapel Hill, as opposed to <br /> elsewhere. <br /> Mayor Hemminger said it is a pilot program, and the Town will learn from the experience. <br /> Commissioner Price said it can be called an incentive, but she is trying to think long <br /> term, and how employees can stay in one place. She said homeowner's association dues can <br /> also be a problem. <br /> b) Manufactured Home Relocation Update/Concerns <br /> Sherrill Hampton, Orange County Housing Director, reviewed the following information: <br /> 2017 and 2018 saw a number of programs and services implemented by the County as it <br /> relates to mitigating the closure of manufactured home parks, which are sources of naturally <br /> occurring affordable housing. They include the following: <br /> 0 Accepted and approved the four (4) recommendations from the multi-sector <br />