HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-26-1996 - VIII-Q 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Action Agenda
Item No
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 26, 1996
SUBJECT: HOME Program - Abbotts Colony/Creel Street_
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DEPARTMENT: Housing/Comm. Dev. PUBLIC HEARING YES NO x
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ATTACHMENT(S) : INFORMATION CONTACT
Letter from JOCCA Tara L. Fikes, x 2490
TELEPHONE NUMBER
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Mebane 227-2031
Durham 688-7331
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PURPOSE: To authorize County staff and the County Attorney to explore possible
options with the Orange Community Housing Corporation regarding the disposition of the
Abbotts Colony and Creel Street properties.
BACKGROUND: On July 27, 1993, the County entered into a Development Agreement with
the Orange Community Housing Corporation (OCHC) . This agreement provided $50,000 in
County HOME funds to acquire three lots in the Abbotts Colony subdivision in Chapel Hill
and obligated OCHC to build three houses on these lots for sale to first-time
homebuyers. OCHC, in turn, should have constructed three homes for selected buyers and
completed the sale of the homes by December 31, 1994. Due to nonperformance, the
agreement was amended to change the completion date to September 30, 1995. One house
was constructed and sold to a qualifying family, however, the remaining two lots have
not been developed.
Further, on February 15, 1994, the County entered into a Development Agreement with the
Orange Community Housing Corporation. This agreement provided $32,000 in County HOME
funds to acquire two lots on Creel Street in Chapel Hill and obligated OCHC to build two
houses on these lots for sale to first-time homebuyers. OCHC, in turn, should have
constructed two homes for selected buyers and completed the sale of the homes by June
30, 1995. OCHC did not fulfill this obligation.
On January 16, 1996, the BOCC approved the transfer of two lots in Abbotts Colony and
one lot on Creel Street, from the Orange Community Housing Corporation to the Joint
Orange Chatham Comprehensive Community Action Agency, Inc. (JOCCA) and the transfer of
one lot on Creel Street to Habitat for Humanity. Both organizations had expressed
interest and willingness to develop this property.
Since that time, JOCCA has declined to accept and develop the two remaining lots in
Abbotts Colony and one lot on Creel Street. (See attached letter.) The Orange County
HOME Council has discussed this matter and in consideration of a June 1997 compliance
deadline, it is imperative that the County explore all available options for development
of this property.
REC ATION:
The Manager recommends authorizing County staff and the County Attorney to explore
possible options with the Orange Community Housing Corporation regarding the disposition
of the Abbotts Colony and Creel Street properties.
2
ti OINT ORANGE-CHATHAM COMMUNITY ACTION, INC.
P.O.BOX 27 • PrMBORO,NORTH CAROLINA 27312 •(919)542.4781 • FAX(919)542-0563 •(ORANGE COUNTY(919)9294)494)
C.
GLORIA M.WII.IUMS
Executive Director
May 16, 1996
Ms.Tara Fikes,Director
Orange Co.Housing/CD Dept.
Post Office Box 8181
Hillsborough,North Carolina
Dear Ms.Fikes:
This letter saves as our final disposition on the proposed donation Of three[3) lots to our agency. V,(hile
JOCCA's Board of Directors and staff are appreciative of the collaborative actions and efforts made by the Orange
County Board of Commissioners, Mr. James Harris, and you to support our housing efforts, we must respectfully
decline your offer.
As you are aware,field visits were made to each of the three property sites on May 1, 1996 by me and my
administrative housing staff. During these visits, assessments and evaluations were made to discern the suitability
of these lots for development. Our observations were correlated with the environmental requirements, regulations
and rules prepared by the Town of Chapel Hill for Conservation Districts.
Regrettably, our findings indicate that the two [2] lots located in Abbott's Colony are located within a
Conservation District; the lots do not meet the minimum acreage requirement for development. In addition,
neither of the lots comply with the environmental standards and/or requirements. As to the lot on Creel Street,it is
our opinion that it is not feasible to construct an affordable house on this site. The topographical features, e.g.
steep slope, huge trees, etc. necessitate extensive predevelopment work and additional costs. The additional
predevelopment cost would significantly increase the construction cost, and subsequently the purchase price of the
house. Thus,it would not be affordable to a moderate income family.
Again, we appreciate your continued support and efforts to coordinate with our agency in addressing the
housing needs of low-moderate income families and individuals. Please contact me or John Holmes if you Have
questions.
Sincerely,
ria M. Willi
Executive Director
GMW:jh
xc: John Holmes,III,PhD
James R Edwards
James Harris
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