County commissioners discuss amendments to the Orange County Housing Affordability Policy -

The Orange County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday to hear revaluation results and discuss the Zoning Atlas Amendment. Staff writer Hannah Wall live-tweeted the meeting.

Tweeting for @DTHCity updates on the Orange County Board of Commissioners meeting tonight!
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

The Board presented checks to local artists and art organizations that received Fall 2016 Orange County Arts Grants.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

OWASA gave their annual update presentation.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

Presenter from OWASA board asks BOCC to rethink the amount of board members allocated from each city and to redistribute them.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

Board moves onto 2017 Orange County Revaluation Results.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

The primary goal of Revalution is to equalize the tax base. This includes all residential and commercial land through OC.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

Chapel Hill commercial property tax base has gone up 41%, residential property has gone up 2%. However, these are mid-point numbers.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

Carrboro commercial property tax base has gone up 38%, residential property has gone up 6%.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

Countywide apartment tax base has gone up 61%.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

The values for the Revaluation are complete & the new values will be available on Feb. 28 on their website, & notices will be mailed March 3
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

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An informal appeal form will be available on the back of the revaluation notices, along with an insert on property tax assistance programs.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

Earl McKee asks if individual tax payers will pay because of commercial increases. Presenter said it is possible for taxes to increase.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

Mia Burroughs adds that it is also true that some individuals will also experience tax decreases. Presenter agreed that it goes both ways.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

BOCC moves onto 2016-17 Mental Health Gap Analysis and Prioritized Recommendations.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

The reason OC Health Department did this study was due to increase in mental health visits by youths.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

The gaps that were identified were affordability of mental health services due to insurance issues, & accessibility due to various barriers.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

Next steps are: to bring in mental health program coordinator, use a grant to help the community understand the system, & address priorities
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

Renee Price asks for an equal opportunity clause within the contract award for Engineering & Environmental Services. The motion is approved.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

Mia Burroughs said,"Thank you our community is being incredibly served by you," to Dr. Colleen Bridger who was presenting.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

BOCC moves to the Zoning Atlas Amendment. Staff met w/ residents in the rezoning area, & though they had concerns, staff encourages rezoning
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

Kim Gush, resident from Ashwick, said she is troubled that 75% of this property is residential & is concerned about commercial developments.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

Rob Gray, resident from Ashwick, said he doesn't understand the benefit to the surrounding areas and well-being of the neighborhood.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

Staff says this area has always been intended for commercial zoning versus a once proposed industrial zone.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

Earl McKee said that he believes the uses approved for this area would not be excessively disruptive to residents.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

Penny Rich asks if there would be additional roads developed. Staff said it is likely multiple businesses would share a parking lot.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

BOCC adopts Zoning Atlas Amendment unanimously.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

The board discusses amendments to the Orange Country Housing Affordability Policy.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

Renee Price asks if after 90 days if a qualified non-first time buyer could purchase affordable housing,staff said this practice is in place
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

Earl McKee endorses the fact that 99 years is too long of a period for housing to be in the affordable housing program.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

"99 years is perpetual affordability," said staff. "In 60 years we will want that land, in 160 years we will still want that land."
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

After discussion of the Metropolitian Planning Organization Comprehensive Transportation Plan the BOCC moved into a closed session.
— Han (@thehannahwall) February 22, 2017

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