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Andy Bowler, Executive Director of Indian River Habitat for Humanity, stressed <br /> that Habitat wants to be able to continue building their homes in small lot subdivisions in Indian <br /> River County for families earning from $ 13 , 000 to $ 26 , 000 , or roughly half the ,area ' s median <br /> income of $ 52 , 000 . Their houses are selling for $ 72 , 000 to $ 74 , 000 . They have been building <br /> about 4 units per acre on 50 ' x 100 ' lots . Their subdivisions include sidewalks , water retention <br /> ponds , and park facilities . Knowledge of the County ' s rules and guidelines keeps their costs <br /> down . They plan to build 30 homes in the county this year. He encouraged the Commissioners <br /> to keep small-lot subdivisions in place without restrictions that would prohibit Habitat from <br /> continuing their efforts in Indian River County . Most of the families in Habitat homes have <br /> lived in Indian River County all their lives . <br /> Discussion ensued as to how to retain affordable lots and how to ensure continued <br /> pride of ownership after an affordable home is built and a second owner comes in or the house <br /> becomes a rental property . <br /> Community Development Director Bob Keating advised maintaining affordability <br /> is one of the challenges in building affordable housing . <br /> Mr. Bowler noted that after 13 years in Indian River County, none of 87 - 88 <br /> Habitat homeowners have moved out of their Habitat home . Some Habitat affiliates have a <br /> "running-with-the - land" wording so if the home is ever sold it must be to someone like the <br /> original owner (such as low income) . <br /> Commissioner Wheeler was concerned that a second owner might not have the <br /> pride of ownership (because of the lack of sweat- equity) and might lead to a degradation of the <br /> neighborhood . <br /> Chairman Lowther stated that he was unable to make any decision at this meeting . <br /> Commissioner Davis agreed that while they may not make a decision today they <br /> could give staff their feedbacks on the alternatives offered . He favored Alternative 42 , the <br /> elimination of the small lot subdivision allowance and perhaps making them PDs as Habitat for <br /> Humanity has done by going beyond our small lot subdivision requirements . By doing so , the <br /> February 1 , 2005 26 �, <br />