Under Howard County zoning regulations, developers are required to devote between 5 percent and 15 percent of their houses to affordable housing.
Some community groups have called for the county to legislate those requirements, increase that requirement to 30 percent and set aside a trust fund for affordable housing. However, the County Council has faced roadblocks in increasing the amount of affordable housing, because builders argue they need to make their developments economically sustainable.
What would you do to encourage more affordable housing in Howard County?
County Council candidates
Calvin Ball: “Carefully evaluate the affordable housing task force recommendations, work with neighborhoods on opportunities to increase affordable housing that respect the character of the neighborhood, ensure there is appropriate infrastructure and community dialogue.”
Tom D?Asto: “I support the current affordable housing requirements. Zoning loopholes need to be closed to ensure these are met. I strongly support enhancing home ownership programs to address this important issue.”
Don Dunn: “There is no proof to builders? arguments that affordable housing developments are not economically sustainable. Use new state legislation which allows a revenue authority in Howard County [that can] justify affordable housing projects.”
Gina Ellrich: “I am eager to review the work of the affordable housing task force. One idea I support is renovating our existing housing in aging neighborhoods to provide more affordable options.”
Greg Fox: “The county has many programs in place that will bring additional affordable housing units. The imminent task force report on affordable housing should be reviewed before any commitments are made.”
Tony Salazar: “I?ll consider the upcoming recommendations of the affordable housing task force, and I?ll pursue the RECAP plan to free up existing affordable housing stock.”
Mary Kay Sigaty: “Push for rapid assessment/implementation of housing task force report, expand existing affordable housing programs, support incentives to encourage more MIHUs thanrequired, encourage lenders to develop mortgages that support affordable home ownership.”
Jen Terrasa: “I will implement where appropriate recommendations of the affordable housing task force, provide a broad spectrum of housing and expand requirements for MIHU to as many districts as possible.”
Donna Thewes: “Require builders to build affordable housing in all new developments of all types of housing as in other counties.
The county would be part owner, helping with maintenance and compliance.”
Courtney Watson: “I would use many tools including public/private partnerships, incentives for revitalizing neighborhoods and requirements of all new developments.”
COUNTY EXECUTIVE CANDIDATES
Chris Merdon: “Review task force recommendations due in November, review county [regulations] to expedite process, set goals for home ownership, provide incentives to builders, work with all stakeholders ? businesses, education and community.”
Ken Ulman: “We must increase affordable housing options.
I look forward to reviewing the recommendations of the county executive?s task force on affordable housing and incorporating their findings into an action plan.”
Stephen Wallis: “I?ll review results of task force, weighing challenges and viable solutions.
I?ll emphasize the need to provide higher percentage of affordable housing, while considering developers? concerns.
I?ll support MIHU legislation in mixed-use areas.”
Part of the Baltimore Examiner’s 2006 Election Coverage
