Minutes 05-20-2025-Business Meeting

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18 this community and because of gentrification, Black residents are being pushed out. She asked the commissioners to help as much as they can. Marvin Chambers said he is a Chapel Hill resident, father, and Orange County business owner. He read an excerpt from his book, "What Were You Thinking, Oh, Wait. You Weren't." He said that gentrification affects everyone. He said that neighbors are the irreplaceable ones. Linda Carver said she came in support of home repairs. She said her family members got some HOME funds for a new air conditioner and it no longer works, so the repairs should continue to work, not just temporary fixes. Theresa Watson said Commissioner McKee is the only native on the Board of Commissioners. She said the people who are born here are not represented on many of the boards that are involved in government. She said she lives off Neville Rd. in Councilville. She said the Board needs to take a look at the transition Chapel Hill has gone through. She said there used to be 30% Black residents and now there is less than 10%. She said the Black people are getting pushed out. She said that the commissioners should support the repairs. She said repairs save money, extend the lifespan of items, reduce waste and help the environment, preserve the value of the home, and increase safety. She said there are older residents in Councilville that need repairs. Delores Bailey said she appreciates what Orange County staff has done. She said she is glad to see so many residents present. She encouraged residents of color to serve on boards. She asked how people will know that the money is available to them. She asked the Board and staff to consider how they will roll this program out and who will be eligible. A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner McKee said the entire board agrees that the repairs are much needed. He said the county does not have the funds to build the new housing that is needed so they have to focus on keeping existing homes safe and inhabitable. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she is sure staff will be clear on qualifications for the funds and will have a plan to notify the public about the availability of the funds. Chair Bedford asked Blake Rosser to speak about the plans. Blake Rosser said he will have to get info on HUD requirements and see how they compare to the current repair program. He said that outreach will look the same and they have had three events at Rogers-Eubanks recently. He said they will also do other community centers. He said there is also info on the website, and they will have a table at other county-sponsored events. Commissioner McKee encouraged outreach through churches. Blake Rosser said he will make sure. Commissioner Fowler reiterated that she agrees with the use of these funds. She thanked everyone for coming to support this item and recognized that there is always a greater need than there is available funding. Vice-Chair Hamilton thanked the public for coming to the meeting and sharing their concerns. She said that education is crucial and there are other related programs like the Handy Helper program. She said she gets confused between all the different programs that they have. She asked them to also mention other programs that are available when they share information because she hopes there can be a one-stop integrated educational tool. Blake Rosser said the HOME preservation commission is aware of the Handy Helper program and he will check on coordination.