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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 01-27-2010 AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE January 27, 2010 Community Services Classroom Meeting convened at 3:35 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Al Rivett, St. Lucie INTACT Mike Smith, Riverside National Bank Stephanie Morgan, All About You Louise Hubbard, Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council Toby Philpart, Sunrise City CHDO Rick Carreno, St. Lucie County Fire Department Skeet Jernigan, Community & Economic Development Council of South FL Rhonda Blakely, Workforce Development Board MEMBERS ABSENT: David Povio, VAP Builders, Inc. OTHERS PRESENT: Jessica Parrish, St. Lucie County Community Services Dina Prestridge, St. Lucie County Community Services Brittany Smith, St. Lucie County Community Services Britton Wilson, St. Lucie County Growth Management Heather Young, St. Lucie County Assistant County Attorney MINUTES Ms. Morgan called the meeting to order at 3:35 with introductions. Mr. Smith made a motion to approve the minutes from the November meeting. Mr. Rivett seconded the motion. All were in favor. ~ Discussion with Commissioners Regarding Density – Skeet Jernigan Mr. Jernigan discussed his visit with four of the Commissioners separately regarding density. Each Commissioner had ideas on how density would take place. Since there is currently affordable housing available in the community, the Commissioners felt there was no urgency in providing density as an incentive for workforce housing at this time. Each Commissioner had their own ideas for what the parameters for additional density might be. For example, one Commissioner suggested that additional workforce density should go along with areas where the County matures and there are buses or mass transit systems available nearby. Another Commissioner mentioned there should not be any density bonuses unless there was a system in place that could determine how much affordable housing there was in the community for sale at any given time and a threshold should be established. An example would be Palm Beach County that has a set aside 6% or 10% of the homes for sale in any given year. One of the Commissioners talked about a transfer of development rights ordinance, where the County would strip the development rights off of conservation land or land that the County bought for preservation. By using those pieces of land to sell at a reduced rate to developers that wanted to provide workforce housing, in turn creating additional density. Mr. Jernigan made a suggestion to the AHAC Minutes January 27, 2010 Page 2 Commissioners that the committee would make a recommendation before the County prepares the next EAR addressing density for workforce housing. ~ Review Density – Britton Wilson, Growth Management Ms. Wilson discussed density, the need for density and how it relates to new construction. Mr. Philpart states that his interpretation is workforce housing may or may not be determined by density. We can still do workforce housing ourselves, but density will not determine workforce housing, the market itself would determine affordable housing. The developer will have to build affordable housing based on the existing market. Mr. Jernigan asked what amount is considered affordable in St. Lucie County. Mrs. Parrish answered it is roughly 30% of the monthly income, which will determine what the monthly mortgage payment will be. It will vary on the income level, adding that the median income level right now is $59, 500 for a family of four. Ms. Hubbard agreed and stated the median income for the entire area is roughly $30,000. Mrs. Parrish added these amounts are considered low income households. Households that are 120% of area median income are considered moderate. Ms. Hubbard gave an example of someone making $30,000 a year can afford approximately a $750.00 monthly income which would be 30% of their income. Mr. Jernigan stated if someone has an annual income of $30,000, 30% of that amount would allow them to purchase a home approximately $65,000 to $70,000. Mrs. Parrish clarified the median income is higher due to the fact that St. Lucie County is grouped with Indian River County. Mr. Jernigan referred back to Ms. Hubbard’s statement regarding rentals, asking what information is available for rentals. He asked Mrs. Parrish if St. Lucie County deals with rental units. Mrs. Parrish replied the only rental assistance provided is temporary relocation on replacement homes, and under the Hurricane Housing Program which covers first and last month’s rent to move into a new home after a storm. Mr. Jernigan asked what the rental prices are in the county. Ms. Hubbard replied the monthly amount depends on the type of unit. A unit that is not up to code and not the best living conditions range around $450 per month, nicer units approximately $750 per month. In the St. Lucie West area, rent is around $1000 per month. Mr. Jernigan stated he felt the Commissioners are not ready to proceed with density at this time. AHAC Minutes January 27, 2010 Page 3 Mrs. Parrish stated the point of having Mr. Jernigan meet with the Commissioners is so the committee knows how much time to spend on density and if this was something that should be addressed now. Ms. Morgan stated the current land development code is in the review process and wants clarification if this should be addressed in those plans at this time. Mr. Philpart asked for clarification on what the definition of affordable housing is, since the topic of new construction and rentals have been discussed. Mrs. Parrish answered it is what each individual can afford either purchasing or renting. Mr. Smith suggested the committee respond by saying the committee understands the Commission’s decision; however, feel that it is important to distinguish affordable housing to be rentals versus homeownership. With many foreclosures in this area, it is understandable why there would not be a need for new construction and additional density for affordable housing. However, the rental element still might need to be considered further at a later date. The group discussed problems that renters are currently facing, especially those with bad credit, liens or foreclosures. Also discussed, is how several homeowner’s going through foreclosure are still renting out the homes. Once the home is foreclosed, the families renting have no place to live when the bank assumes the home. Ms. Wilson stated letters were sent out to property owners asking them to revert from residential zoning back to commercial zoning and have received one response. Mr. Smith added at this time he does not feel that the committee needs to go back to the Commissioners. The committee needs to reference the recommendation and re-visit the issue in three years. The group discussed the time frame to revisit density requests. Ms. Morgan stated to revisit the issue within the next year to see how the market has changed and what recommendations would be at that time. Mr. Jernigan responded the committee should at least make a statement now so there is something to reference. He suggested that the statement should be to revisit the density topic every three years. Mr. Philpart made a motion to approve Mr. Smith’s statement be implemented and documented as a formal recommendation on the topic. Motion is seconded by Mr. Jernigan. All members were in favor. AHAC Minutes January 27, 2010 Page 4 ~ Expedited Permitting Ordinance - Heather Young, Assistant County Attorney Ms. Young discussed expedited permitting ordinances. Ms. Young asked Mrs. Parrish if there is a granting agency that needs to look over the resolution. Mrs. Parrish replied it is not necessary. Mr. Jernigan asked if the committee needed to suggest a date of completion, as it seems close to having a procedure in place. Ms. Young stated it depended upon when the ordinance was to be presented to the Commissioners in order to determine a completion date. It can tentatively state March 1, 2010. Mr. Jernigan asked why limit expedited review only to projects receiving improvements through the County. He then asked if a builder established a sales price that was within the affordable housing range, would they be able to get expedited permitting. Ms. Young stated something could be put in place that allows for that. Possibly by adding something on the application stating the project is County funded and being offered as affordable housing; and possibly drafting an affidavit. Ms. Young asked for a recommendation from the group regarding expedited permitting. Mr. Jernigan recommended to impose the draft ordinance be formalized by this group and be presented to Commissioners. Mr. Smith made a motion to approve the recommendation, all members were in favor. Ms. Morgan addressed other business stating impact fees will be discussed at the February meeting. She also stated the members will be changing soon. Rhonda Blakey is resigning but has a replacement in place which will be Paula Hosein. Mr. Smith informed the members that within the next few months he might need to resign due to his employment situation. He would still like to be involved but is unsure of his situation. Ms. Morgan asked if anyone knew the status of Scott Wingfield, who was appointed by Paula Lewis. The group was unaware of his status. Ms. Morgan informed the group that since Diana’s departure a vice chair will need to be appointed. She asked the group to think about who they would like to nominate for that position. Mr. Jernigan asked Ms. Morgan what topics are scheduled for the next meeting. AHAC Minutes January 27, 2010 Page 5 Ms. Morgan responds that it will be impact fees, allowance, reduction of parking, allowance of lot configurations, and modification of street requirements. She stated the committee may want to review items 1 through 11 at the next meeting for a status update. Mr. Jernigan asked if the topic of reservation of infrastructure for affordable housing units could be discussed at the next meeting. Ms. Morgan acknowledged and agreed to the request. th The next meeting will be February 24, at 3:30p.m. in Conference Rm. 3. Future meetings will be the fourth Wednesday of every month at 3:30 p.m.