06/04/2019 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ANALYSIS After the April 16, 2019 BCC meeting, staff prepared a form for use by non-profit housing organizations to formally request donation of lots from the eight (8) properties identified on the 2019 County owned surplus land list. Staff then distributed the form to local non-profit affordable housing organizations (Habitat for Humanity, Every Dream Has a Price, Inc., Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, and The Housing League, Inc.), with a request submittal deadline of May 10, 2019. The only non-profit housing organization to submit a request was Every Dream Has a Price, Inc. (EDHAP, Inc.). EDHAP, Inc. requested three (3) lots to be donated to them to build affordable housing rental units for extremely -low-income, very -low-income, and low-income households. In its request, EDHAP, Inc. indicated that the units will be rentals. The surplus lots requested by EDHAP, Inc. are at the following addresses: 1. 4255 32nd Avenue 2. 4245 32nd Avenue 3. 4205 24th Court To allow the BCC the option to act expeditiously on EDHAP Inc.'s request, if the Board so chooses, staff drafted a proposed agreement between the County and EDHAP, Inc. for donation of the three (3) requested lots (see attachment #4). In addition, staff has drafted a proposed deed restriction document to ensure proper use of the lots for affordable housing. Under the proposed agreement, EDHAP, Inc. must build affordable housing units on the donated lots for extremely -low-income, very -low-income, or low-income households within three (3) years of the date of each lot transfer; the units must be deed restricted and must remain affordable in perpetuity. If the units are not built within three (3) years, under the agreement, the donated properties will revert to the County unless the County extends the three (3) year timeframe. The agreement has been reviewed by the County Attorney's Office, planning staff and EDHAP, Inc.'s representatives and is acceptable to all parties. Alternatives With respect to the eight (8) identified surplus properties, the BCC may identify a use for the properties and retain them or declare them surplus properties for affordable housing use. Because each of the properties is located in a residential area and is not needed for right-of-way, drainage, utilities, emergency services, parks/recreation, or conservation purposes, those eight (8) properties are not conducive for any standard public use. On the other hand, there is a constant demand for affordable housing within the county and development of affordable housing on the properties or proceeds from the sale of the properties for increased SHIP funding will supplement the County's affordable housing efforts. Consequently, staff supports the BCC surplusing the properties for affordable housing. If the Board decides to surplus the subject properties, then there are four (4) options available. 1. Sell the properties and contribute the proceeds to the county's affordable housing trust fund (SHIP Trust Fund), or 2. Sell the properties with a deed restriction that requires that the properties be developed as permanent affordable housing, or 143 2