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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.25.16 Meeting NotesCity of Wilmington /New Hanover County Workforce /Affordable Housing Ad hoc Committee October 25, 2016 Meeting Notes Present: Elizabeth Dodson, Gloria Green, Phil Humphrey, Robert Rosenberg, Steve Spain, Dave Spetrino, Jody Wainio, Tilghman Herring, Linda Smith, Katrina Redmon, Katrina Knight, Staff —Jennifer Rigby, NHC; Suzanne Rogers, City of Wilmington Absent: Paul D'Angleo, Will Bland Resigned: David Barnes, Carlos Braxton Jody Wanio, Chairwoman, called the meeting to order and explained the continuation of work for the sub - committees using meeting notes from 10/11/16 meeting which identified barriers /gaps to affordable /workforce housing. Jody directed the sub - committee members to convene and brainstorm strategies, solutions, and best practices to address barriers. The small groups convened after lunch to report out as follows: Rental Housing Group A. Inclusionary Zoning • De- concentration of poverty • Needed focus on % • Offer payment in lieu to support workforce housing elsewhere in community (how do we make this work for developers too ?) • Density, Square Footage, airspace, reduced parking, bonuses (rewards ?) • Confronts barriers of: • Inventory • Lack of incentives Addresses the following barriers /gaps identified at 10/11/16 meeting • Lack of inventory of affordable housing (I) • Lack of incentives for builders (D) • Location of affordable land not ideal, for example location near transportation (1) (D) • Funding /Limited Sources/ Restrictions (D) • Lack of incentives to Landlords (L) B. "Micro Units" • Caters to aging population • Incentive to builders in terms of volume • Must have zoning laws to support Addresses the following barriers /gaps identified at 10/11/16 meeting • Size appropriate /matches subsidy (I) C. Set goals by jurisdiction • Be prepared to incentivize those who work to achieve goals • Active participation /concurrence of utility services, taxes, etc. Addresses the following barriers /gaps identified at 10/11/16 meeting • Cost of construction (D) • Fees, etc • Cooperation among agencies (education) • Insurance /taxes costs passed to consumer 0 17% increase taxes and insurance o CFPUA, Duke Energy cost increasing D. Education of public and elected officials • Redefine "affordable" & "workforce" in a broad spectrum but also update monetary figures that that support this definition — affordable is not $225K Addresses the following barriers /gaps identified at 10/11/16 meeting • Lack of CDBG funds in NHC • Fair market value taxes — tax assessment reflects value of property as owner - occupied not as rental property E. Mix multi - familv w /single familv residential and visa verse — tastefully & logical Addresses the following barriers /gaps identified at 10/11/16 meeting • Size appropriate /matches subsidy (I) F. Accessory housing Addresses the following barriers /gaps identified at 10/11/16 meeting • VRBO Rental competition Homeownership Group Are you ready to be a Home Owner? 1. Is Homeownership part of your long -term personal goals? 2. Do you feel stable in our income /career? 3. Do you see yourself living in the area for 5 + years? 4. Have you paid rent on time, every month for the last 2 years? 5. Have you saved money for anything? How's Your Credit? 1. Obtain your credit report 2. Credit Counseling: A. low /cost /no cost access B. Understand your report 3. No -No's / Do's & Don'ts a) Don't co -sign for others b) Don't add more debt c) Pay bills on time- every time d) Pay off /negotiate old debts e) Debt snowballs 4. Avoid too much debt a) Car Payments b) Credit cards c) Past due payments d) Installments & pay day loans 5. Give Yourself Some Time: a) 12 months b) Start w/a plan, work your plan c) Debt snowball d) Good used cars — avoid costly payments and repairs Let's Talk About Money 1.Down payment for home ownership - Save $3,000 — start there 2. Work with existing programs: • HOP • USDA Veterans Admin 3. Improve those programs: • Who's getting left out? Why? (Lower income need help) 4. Employer Benefit Programs — Are you taking advantage? Permanent Supportive Housing /Subsidized Housing Group • Planning- • Review existing zoning regulations to increase flexibility for affordable housing ..i.e. secondary structures /accessory dwellings, increased density, cohousing and other housing prototypes • Expedited review w/ City & NHC plan review process — saves $, outlines expectations saves time... preliminary review before application fee paid • Limit Council /Commission discretion in affecting planning decisions in the approval process & adopting plans... administrative review only and by -right zoning for affordable housing • Allow spreading of costs (tap fees) over time for affordable housing w /low or no interest • Eliminate or waive development, permit, and utility fees on affordable housing projects • City /NHC /CFPUA to finance fees • City /NHC to encourage private investment in affordable housing • Explore options of jurisdiction rebate of fees • Educate City Council, County Commission and planning commission members re: fair housing law & commitment regarding affordable housing • Explore creating a Housing Trust Fund a portion of which could be used to rehab existing unoccupied houses as affordable housing (deed restrictions to ensure affordability) • Create a market -place for matching qualified elder home owners with qualified individuals or families to cohabitate Notes prepared by Suzanne E. Rogers 10/26/16