Hired in 2016, David Paul Rosen and Associates presented its findings to the Chapel Hill Town Council earlier this month on the issue of affordable housing.

The firm presented financial analysis and recommendations on what the council should do with two public housing units – 2200 Homestead Road and the Craig Gomains Public Housing neighborhood.

“We do want to create more affordable housing,” said Mayor Pam Hemminger. “So if we can find the best ways to go about it that would get us to those ends, that’s what we’re looking for.”

The report, presented by DRA principal Nora Lake-Brown, focused on three main potential areas for affordable housing funding.

Low-income housing tax credits provide money for local governments operating affordable housing units.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s RAD program converts subsidies into a larger, single payments, making it easier to redevelop specific properties.

The last funding option presented is HUD Section 18, which provides additional funds for demolishing old public housing buildings and provides vouchers for the current residents of those buildings.

Lake-Brown also suggested selling land on some of the public housing properties as a means of financing future projects.

“Any public sale of any public housing sites, the proceeds have to be used for additional affordable housing in the community,” she said.

Given the scarcity of publically owned land in Chapel Hill, members of the council said they didn’t like the idea of selling any property. Hemminger and councilwoman Maria Palmer expressed their disagreement.

“Why on earth would we want to sell land – valuable land – if we don’t need to,” Palmer said. “Why would we even start with the premise that we’re going to sell town-owned land?”

The council accepted the recommendations from DRA and is continuing to evaluate its options for all public and affordable housing units in the town.

Related Stories
‹
Chapel Hill Council Approves 300+ New Apartments, Retail Space on S. Elliott Road
The Chapel Hill Town Council approved a conditional zoning request for 200 South Elliott Road, paving the way for a new apartment community.
Chapel Hill Shares Latest Pond Removal, Construction Timeline for Legion Road Housing and Park Project
The Town of Chapel Hill is beginning early stages to drain and remove both the pond and dam at its property off Legion Road.
Chapel Hill Launches $20 Million Affordable Housing Fund With Help From UNC Health
A partnership between the Town of Chapel Hill and the UNC Health system is officially ready to help boost local affordable housing efforts.
Return of Habitat for Humanity CEO Build Provides Chance to Showcase Weavers Grove
The Triangle-area Habitats for Humanity held their CEO Build on Friday at the Weavers Grove neighborhood under construction in Chapel Hill.
Chapel Hill Town Council Approves Affordable Housing Funding Plan
The Chapel Hill Town Council discussed a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) action plan and passed an affordable housing project and funding plan during its May 24 meeting at Chapel Hill Town Hall. Here is an overview of the two agenda items on affordable housing from the meeting. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Action Plan […]
Chapel Hill Town Council Approves Senior Housing Development on Legion Road
The Chapel Hill Town Council passed a resolution approving a three-story affordable housing development project on Legion Road.
Chapel Hill Town Council Discusses Petitions, Parking Project, and Advisory Boards
The Chapel Hill Town Council met to hear public petitions, increase funding for a parking deck project, and address advisory board rules.
Chapel Hill Town Council Talks Affordable Housing and Capital Projects
The Chapel Hill Town Council discussed affordable housing strategies and capital projects during its work session on February 14.
Chapel Hill Town Council Roasts Redevelopment, Resident Relocation Plan for Kings Arms Apartments
Chapel Hill Town Council members suggested overhauling a design presented for redeveloping the affordable Kings Arms Apartments community.
'Huge Benefit': UNC Eastowne Development Approved by Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill Town Council members reached a nearly unanimous vote to approve UNC Health’s proposal to build new medical buildings on its Eastowne campus.
›