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32 <br /> Commissioner Carter said if it is not on the table to be considered, then it might not be <br /> necessary. She asked if it would be helpful to understand. She asked if Briar Chapel moved to <br /> a community system. <br /> Cy Stober said no. He said the situation was resolved in Briar Chapel. <br /> VOTE: Ayes, 6 (Commissioner Carter, Chair Bedford, Commissioner Fowler, <br /> Commissioner Greene, Commissioner McKee, Commissioner Portie-Ascott); Nays, 1 <br /> (Vice-Chair Hamilton) <br /> MOTION PASSES <br /> UNC School of Government, Development Finance Initiative (DFI) — For market analysis of rural <br /> activity nodes, countywide housing needs, and countywide residential supply/demand. Services <br /> include a written final report. -$45,100 <br /> Commissioner Greene reviewed the proposed market analysis to be provided by the <br /> Development Finance Initiative at the School of Government. She said after reflecting on the <br /> idea she was not sold on it. She said that perhaps they need to let the market decide on what is <br /> needed in the rural activity nodes. She said a housing study should be included with <br /> transportation needs. She said Chapel Hill conducted a housing study. <br /> Cy Stober said they will refine the scope with DFI if that's what the Board wishes. He <br /> said he's been in contact with the Home Builders Association, and they are interested in Chapel <br /> Hill housing study and how it may apply more widely. He said the scope of the proposal was <br /> responding to items 7 and 8 on page 8 of the agenda materials. <br /> Commissioner McKee said the market will determine what happens in rural activity <br /> nodes. He said he's concerned about spending $45,000 and not knowing exactly what they are <br /> going to get. He said he's having a hard time spending large amounts of money when they <br /> have more immediate needs. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she has concerns about spending $45,000, but she <br /> wants to understand the county's housing needs. She said there are a lot of different opinions <br /> on what's happening. She hoped that they could get an approach to ensuring that all forms of <br /> housing can be built. <br /> Cy Stober said that would be the purpose and scope of the proposal. He said it would <br /> provide a regional profile of the county relative to our neighbors, employment opportunities, and <br /> transportation network as it relates what is missing from Orange County and what could be <br /> realized. <br /> Chair Bedford asked if the Board could see a proposed contract. <br /> Cy Stober said they have a proposal, and they will send it to the Board. <br /> Vice-Chair Hamilton said there have been many talks and studies on housing in the <br /> county. She said to spend $45,000 would be a waste of money. She said they already know a <br /> lot; the problem is where they will balance out on their desire to maintain ruralness and the need <br /> for land for more housing. She said that is a central tension in the land use plan. She said <br /> given the dynamic nature of housing, any study would not stay current. She said in an <br /> environment of less resources, they will not be able to do much as a county. <br /> Commissioner Fowler said they will never have enough to meet the needs. She recalled <br /> that Commissioner Portie-Ascott said the county needed 4,000 additional homes based on a <br /> study. She said that would be difficult to attain and they would always be behind the ball. She <br /> said it's going to be hard to get affordable housing; not subsidized, but affordable. She said with <br /> all of the apartments that have been built, they haven't lowered rents. She asked if a market <br /> analysis determines that there is no market for a gas station or grocery store, but they are <br />