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Ms. McLendon reported that this year's Project Connect was held at the <br /> United Church of Christ in Chapel Hill, but the space was not large enough <br /> and the event will need a new space next year. <br /> Mr. Eichel reported that the Community Home Trust has a new executive <br /> director, Kimberly Sanchez. The AHAB will invite her to a meeting. <br /> IV. Department of Housing and Community Development Updates — Ms. <br /> Sutton stated that the Department is currently hiring for the HCV program, <br /> and temporarily closing the Department's satellite office in the Southern <br /> Human Services Building until the program is fully staffed. The Department is <br /> also hiring a Rapid Rehousing position and another Rehabilitation Specialist. <br /> Ms. Brandt reported that the Orange County HOME Consortium is updating <br /> the Consolidated Plan, which guides the use of HOME funds for the next five <br /> years. There will be a series of meetings and webinars for residents to <br /> participate in the process. <br /> V. AHAB Presenting on the Board's work and Leading Community <br /> Dialogue on Affordable Housing Issues — Mr. Cook stated that the AHAB <br /> has identified the following priorities for the upcoming year: gentrification; <br /> Rural Buffer review; Greene tract; potential manufactured home park <br /> closures; acquiring new funds for affordable housing; expanding utility <br /> assistance programs; continued funding for local housing voucher programs; <br /> and attracting more landlords to accept housing vouchers. <br /> Mr. Cook opened up the meeting for questions from community members. <br /> Paul Voss, a representative of Hart's Mill Ecovillage, asked if there is a <br /> County-wide community land trust. Mr. Eichel responded that Community <br /> Home Trust (CHT) was created by the County 20 years ago and owns homes <br /> in Chapel Hill and Carrboro that are sold to residents with low incomes. CHT <br /> retains ownership of the land and provides a ground lease to buyers for 99 <br /> years. If the resident wants to sell, they are required to sell to CHT, who then <br /> re-sells to another qualified buyer. The seller receives limited accrued equity. <br /> Mr. Voss said that he is part of a group that will be developing land near <br /> Efland. They want to develop part of the parcel as affordable housing. Since <br /> they are new to the process, they want to know what funds are available, how <br /> different departments interact (e.g., housing, planning and zoning), and how <br /> to connect with non-profit affordable housing providers. <br /> VI. Adjournment — The meeting was adjourned at 7.32 PM. <br /> Submitted by Diane Beecham, Community Development Specialist <br /> Page 2 <br />