2.14.17 Meeting NotesCity of Wilmington/New Hanover County
Workforce /Affordable Housing Ad hoc Committee
February 14, 2017
Meeting Notes
Present: Robert Rosenberg, Steve Spain, Dave Spetrino, Jody Wainio, Will Bland, Katrina
Redmon, Katrina Knight, Gloria Green, Linda Smith, Paul D'Angleo, Phil Humphrey, Tilghman
Herring
Staff — Suzanne Rogers, City of Wilmington; Jennifer Rigby, New Hanover County (NHC)
Julia Moeller, NCH; Rebekah Roth, NHC
Absent: Elizabeth Dodson
Resigned: David Barnes, Carlos Braxton
Jody Waino, Chair, called the meeting to order and welcomed all.
Jennifer Rigby reviewed the submittals from the committee members statements of Why Housing
that's Affordable is important.
Jody referred to the brainstorm list from 12/13/16 meeting and the group discussed the following.
Discussion Topic: How can zoning and other development regulations be used to encourage more
affordable housing?
The committee discussed and recommended the following:
1) As each jurisdiction updates their respective zoning ordinances, the following
recommendations are encouraged.
a) Allow Accessory Dwelling Units:
i. For the City's ordinance, the existing standards need to be improved with a
focus on affordability.
ii. For the County's ordinance, standards need to be created that are similar to
the City.
b) Each jurisdiction is encouraged to look for ways in which the zoning ordinances
can increase density and height limitations to encourage more efficient and
affordable development.
c) Density Bonuses and a reduction in parking requirements is encouraged. Density
Bonuses should be available for projects providing affordable units for households
up to 120% of Area Median Income.
d) Once both ordinances are complete, preemptive rezoning are encouraged to better
align zoning with long range planning efforts. The desired result will be a reduction
in rezoning requests needed for affordable housing projects (as well as others) and
will better implement the visions set forth in the long range planning efforts.
2) The City and County look for ways to streamline/ expedite the permitting process.
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3) Explore ways to encourage CFPUA to defer fees, offer payment plans, and rebates.
4) In addition to other roles, the Permanent Affordable Housing taskforce should:
a) Serve as an ombudsman for new affordable housing projects.
b) Act as a liaison between Permanent Affordable Housing committee and Planning
staff, consultants, and Planning Commissions to facilitate communication and
inclusion of affordable /workforce housing issues in review and revisions of Land
Use Ordinances, as well as project review and recommendations.
5) Each jurisdiction utilize synthetic Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as a means of supporting
the development of housing that is affordable.
6) City Council and Board of Commissioners encourage the use of the 4% Low Income
Housing Tax Credit bond program, with bonds to be issued by the Housing Authority. This
would require no financial backing by either governing body.
Notes prepared by: Julia Moeller, Jennifer Rigby, Suzanne Rogers
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