Monday, September 26, 2016

City Reviews Process for Affordable Housing

The City Council has given city staff direction to propose a new review/approval process for affordable housing. The first draft of the new process was presented at the last council workshop.

After the approval of the last three projects, Kaia Pointe,Live Oak Apartments, and Merritt Heritage Apartments by both the city and the state for tax credits, it became apparent that many city residents were unhappy with the non-public process. 

The main feature of the revised process is the establishment of deadlines for public meetings describing the proposed projects. At least two public meetings will be held a minimum of three weeks prior to submission to the City Council. Also, property owners within 1/2 mile of the proposed site must be notified.

The process is not yet final and will be presented to the City Council for approval sometime in the future.

Keep in mind that the citizens of Georgetown must also make sure that the City Council stands against Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) to maintain our local sovereignty. Local governments are waking up to the threat that the Federal Government and HUD in particular pose to our local sovereignty. 

Georgetown residents must be vigilant and focused on keeping the City out of AFFH grants. Do not be distracted by emotional pleas for "affordable housing" and do not allow yourself to be sidetracked by less important issues.

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