Money and government-owned property intended to create more affordable housing in Anne Arundel could be on the chopping block because of the county?s slim budget, officials said.
The County Council held a bill that would have donated $800,000 worth of surplus county property to a nonprofit trying to build work force housing.
Meanwhile, some council members are considering whether to move forward with a $2 million work force housing initiative in County Executive John R. Leopold?s budget.
“That money could go toward our teachers, who are fighting for their salaries, and I have a duty to the taxpayers to ask these questions,” said Councilman Ed Middlebrooks, R-District 2, who had the council table the property bill.
The property bill would have given land in the Glendale Terrace neighborhood of Glen Burnie to Arundel Community Development Services to build six houses that would be sold below market prices to people who live at or below the county?s $70,000 median income level.
By donating the land, ACDS would save money and offer housing to people such as firefighters and teachers, said Kathleen Koch, ACDS?s executive director.
“You?re getting more for your buck. We need more of this, as incomes aren?t keeping up with the pace of housing costs,” Koch said.
County officials acknowledged the need for affordable housing, but some, including Middlebrooks, questioned the timing of the bill and got the council to hold its vote until June to determine whether the property should be given away.
“We talk about affordable housing, but I don?t understand why we need to have brand-new houses. I have big questions as to what we can do with the property,” Middlebrooks said.
Leopold, who sponsored the bill, has said his work force housing initiative would provide counseling and financial assistance to first-time homebuyers who live below the median income.
But given that $50 million has been cut from the school system?s budget and the county is raising fees and certain taxes, others said the funds for work force housing could be used elsewhere, despite the program?s merit.
“We have to ask ourselves if it?s the right time and year for it. We have to make some very difficult decisions,” said Councilman Jamie Benoit, D-District 4.
Leopold defended the need for his initiative, because many of the police officers and other county employees with whom he has spoken live outside of Anne Arundel and even outside of Maryland.
“We clearly have a responsibility to provide work force housing here in the county. It is now the time to take action,” Leopold said.
