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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 02-20-2018 7-b - Update on the Mobile Home Parks InitiativeORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: February 20, 2018 Action Agenda Item No. 7-b SUBJECT: Update on the Mobile Home Parks Initiative DEPARTMENT: Department of Housing and Community Development ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Sherrill Hampton, 919-245-2490 PURPOSE: To receive an update on the activities undertaken to date, as well as those that are upcoming, as it relates to the County’s Mobile Home Parks Initiative. BACKGROUND: For many years the Orange County Board of County Commissioners has had a keen interest in addressing the vulnerability of residents living in mobile home parks and allocated funding to address land banking for mobile home parks and/or to assist in the acquisition of property for future residential development as an affordable housing alternative. As a result of the Board action approving funding, a multi-sector Affordable Housing/Mobile Home Park Work Group was formed. On November 20, 2017 the Work Group presented the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) with its recommendations on strategies for mitigating resident displacement and relocation challenges due to park closures and redevelopment efforts. The BOCC approved the recommendations and requested that County staff develop a Rapid Response Protocol in order to allow for timely, coordinated action when mobile home park closures occur. TIMELINE/RECENT AND UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:  Discussions with the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Hillsborough began before and have continued since the BOCC’s November 2017 approval of the Work Group recommendations. Discussions focus on the development of a coordinated approach between the jurisdictions and sharing of pertinent information.  January 2018 – Orange County staff learned of a potential mobile park closure, and Town of Chapel Hill staff shared notice regarding the potential closure and redevelopment of the Lakeview Mobile Home Park.  January 16, 2018 – County staff held a meeting of the Work Group to receive input and comments on the draft Rapid Response Protocol. 1  January 23, 2018 – County staff presented a proposal to use a portion of the County- owned Millhouse Road property as a potential site for a new mobile home park to the Board of Orange County Commissioners. The Board approved moving forward with completing a full assessment of the proposed site, including an environmental and engineering study, as well as initiation of the rezoning process, as applicable.  January 30, 2018 – The approved Work Group recommendations, along with a synopsis of the proposed Millhouse Road project, were presented at the 2018 Assembly of Governments meeting. Additional input and comments were gathered as to the creation of a comprehensive and coordinated strategy regarding the Mobile Home Park Initiative.  January 30, 2018 – The Town of Chapel Hill developed a response strategy for the proposed closure of the Lakeview Mobile Home Park and shared that information with Orange County staff.  February 1, 2018 – County staff learns of the proposed displacement of residents at the Homestead Mobile Park located in an unincorporated part of the County outside of Chapel Hill. The Homestead Mobile Home Park includes approximately nine (9) homes that would be affected by the closure. Staff had a conversation with the Park owner to discuss the situation. Conversations with the Park owner will continue throughout the process.  February 9, 2018 – County staff convened an initial meeting of the Rapid Response Team to plan for a community meeting with the Homestead Mobile Home Park residents.  The County Manager has invited both Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Orange County Schools to be a part of the Mobile Home Park Work Group and the Rapid Response Team.  February 24, 2018 – A meeting is planned with the residents of the Homestead Mobile Home Park to gather their input and comments, as well as ascertain their needs given the proposed displacement. The meeting will be held at the New Hope Camp and Conference Center starting at 10:00 AM.  County staff continues to conduct due diligence on the Millhouse Road site and other identified strategies, including identifying cost centers and gathering applicable pricing information.  By March 16, 2018, the Rapid Response Team will meet again, debrief on the February 24th meeting with residents and provide input on the draft proposal to the County Manager as it relates to the provision of services for the Homestead Mobile Home Park residents.  By March 23, 2018 and based on the findings from the February 24th meeting, staff will present a proposal, including applicable cost, to the County Manager as it relates to the provision of services for the Homestead Mobile Home Park residents. 2  By March 30, 2018, County staff will convene a meeting with mobile home park owners within the County. Work Group members and a representative from the Rapid Response Team will participate in the meeting.  Periodic updates to the Board of County Commissioners will continue throughout the process. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with receiving this update. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to this agenda item: • GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND INEQUITY The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color; religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic status. • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. The creation and preservation of affordable housing options helps to meet a basic need and advances economic self-sufficiency. • GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang activity, substance abuse and domestic violence. Affordable housing options allow individuals to reduce risks associated with being un- housed. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the update and discuss as necessary. No action is required at this time. 3