HomeMy WebLinkAboutAHAB minutes 081115Affordable Housing Advisory Board
2501 Homestead Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Minutes of Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Members Present: Patsy Barbie, Chair; Arthur Sprinczeles, Vice Chair; JonZella Bailey- Pridham;
Tammy Jacobs; Eleanor Kinnaird; Noah Oswald; Nannie Richmond; and Daniel Bullock
Excused Absence: Sully Jaffer; Andrew Shannon; and Diane Beecham
Unexcused Absence: Traci Wooten; Vivian Herndon- Latta; and Jason O'Quinn
Staff Present: Audrey Spencer - Horsley, Director; and Crystal Coble, Administrative Assistant
Welcome /Introduction
The Chair, Patsy, called the meeting to order at 6:12pm. AHAB members introduced themselves
and new members were welcomed by Patsy and Audrey.
Approval of Minutes
Daniel made a motion to approve the minutes of May 19, 2015 and Arthur seconded the motion
and the minutes were approved unanimously.
Department Report /County Report
Audrey informed the AHAB that the 2015 -2020 5 Year Consolidated Plan had been approved by
HUD for funding and the county is working on contracts with the non - profits in regards to funded
projects. Audrey also mentioned that Congress approved a proposal that would significantly reduce the
HOME program funding budget for Orange County. A member requested information on who to direct
letters of concern regarding the proposal to reduce HOME Program funding. Audrey agreed to provide
that information as soon as possible.
Audrey shared with the AHAB that one million dollars put aside in Orange County's budget for
possible development of County Owned land/buildings to address affordable housing needs. There was
a request of a map of depicting county owned land and buildings. Audrey informed the board that once
it was available she would provide one.
Audrey also updated the AHAB that the County committees' current stance on the possible
utilization of "Tiny Homes" to address the affordable housing needs. For the homes to be in compliance
with the County's current land use regulations homes' foundation cannot be set on wheels and the size
has to be between 250 sq. ft. and 450 sq. ft. Audrey was tasked with tracking down the
agreements /plans of the recently approved "Tiny Home" projects on private property in the county.
Audrey shared that the draft if the Analysis of Impediments doc would be shared for public
comment soon and presented to the BOCC in September. Audrey also informed the AHAB that the
Housing Choice Voucher 5 year Plan is currently shared for public comment.
Audrey informed the AHAB that the OCHA board billboard advertising for "Landlords Needed"
is posted at the intersection of Hwy 86 and Hwy 70.
Work Plan 2015 -2016
Audrey asked the AHAB to share their back ground and interest with regards to affordable housing.
A brief overview of the AHAB member's background includes:
• During Legislature tenure a constituent call in regards to a landlord no longer going to accept her
Section 8 Voucher for rent payment prompted investigation into the need of affordable housing
and assistance for renters.
• A former Section 8 recipient who had to educate landlords about the Section 8 program herself.
Also knows that there are those who are still dealing with the difficult to find a place to live that
is affordable.
• Ameri -Core Project and is current in the Master Degree program for City and Regional Planning
at UNC
• Divorce Attorney that has witnessed scarcity of affordable housing for single income families.
• A second generation home builder that has helped residents with affordable home construction
and repairs.
• A Carrboro home owner that was blindsided at the issuance of $750 impact fee that was due
upon buying her home. Decided to become and advocate and resource for others in regards to
similar issue and not only because impact fee are now anywhere from $3,000 - $10,000. Also
worked on the HUD grant Resident Opportunity for Self Sufficiency until it was resolved.
• Lifetime resident and proponent of affordable housing across all of Orange County.
• Current voucher recipient who has experienced the difficulty of poverty without affordable
housing options and /or resources.
The members were tasked to send their comments, thoughts and ideas for the 2015 -2016 via email by
Friday August 18, 2015. Additionally it was mentioned by an AHAB member that knowing more of
what the BOCC would like to be advised on is important for the 2015 -2016 Work Plan.
Other Business
There being no further business Tammy motioned to adjourn and Eleanor seconded the motion
and the meeting was adjourned at 8:00pm.
Respectfully Submitted:
Crystal B. Coble, Administrative Assistant
Audrey Spencer - Horsley, Director
Housing, Human Rights and Community Development Department