AGENDA # 4c
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Response to Petition Regarding Affordable Housing Resolution
DATE: March 6, 2000
On January 31, Mayor Waldorf presented the Council a petition suggesting adoption of a Council resolution stating the Council’s intent with respect to affordable housing. The petition (attached) was referred to the Manager for preparation of a draft resolution.
We note that the second item in the petition, regarding maximum parking requirements, is addressed in another agenda item on tonight’s agenda, discussing issues related to impervious surface.
We offer the following resolution for the Council’s consideration.
A RESOLUTION STATING THE COUNCIL’S EXPECTATIONS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AS A COMPONENT OF NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS (2000-03-06/R-4)
WHEREAS, Chapel Hill’s Comprehensive Plan contains the following language: “The Town shall encourage developers of residential developments of 5 or more units to (a) provide 15 percent of their units at prices affordable to low and moderate income households, (b) contribute in-lieu-fees, or (c) propose alternative measures so that the equivalent of 15 percent of their units will be available and affordable to low and moderate income households;” and
WHEREAS, development proposals regularly come before the Town Council seeking approval, but without an affordable housing component;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that it is the expectation of the Council that applicants seeking approval of rezoning applications containing a residential component will incorporate a “15 percent affordable” feature into their plans, and that mechanisms will be proposed to assure ongoing affordability of these so-designated dwelling units.
This the 6th day of March, 2000.