An affordable housing bond is on the ballot in Chapel Hill as early voting kicked-off earlier this week.
The $10 million bond, crafted by town government officials and affordable housing partners, would provide funds for 400 new affordable units and repairs for over 300 pre-existing units.
Susan Levy is executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Orange County and has worked with affordable housing for 30 years. She said the bond is absolutely essential to tackling a growing crisis in Chapel Hill.
“We’re not going to completely solve the affordable housing problem in Orange County or in Chapel Hill with $10 million,” She said. “It would be great if we could. But we’re going to significantly have an impact on it and without those funds we’re just really backpedaling.”
Housing is generally considered affordable if 30 percent or less of household income is spent on housing and utilities, Levy said. Those affected usually earn 80 percent or less of the median income in the area. And Levy said these folks are integral to the operations of daily life in Chapel Hill.
“Not having affordable housing does have a negative impact on our local businesses, on our neighborhoods, on our healthcare system, on our schools,” Levy said. “So, it’s not just a problem for people who don’t have affordable housing; it’s really a broader issue that impacts all of us.”
There was some concern from housing advocates that the bond would get mixed up with the “Nix All Six” campaign, which ask voters to vote ‘No’ on all statewide constitutional amendments on the ballot. The affordable housing bond is the last entry on the ballot for Chapel Hill residents. Voters will be able to mark ‘For’ or ‘Against’ on the amendments, differentiating it from the housing bond that ask, ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’
Early voting runs through November 3. Election Day is November 6.
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