Affordable Housing? Dream On

Orange County governmental bodies meeting earlier this week continued their on again, off again discussion of needing to do more about something called "affordable housing". Memo to local politicians: ain't no such thing in Orange County. True, over the past several years more than 400 permits for "size-limited units" have been issued in the county, and over 175 have been constructed.

Developmental fees instituted by municipalities and the county, borne by the developer and passed on to the home buyer are one facet to high housing costs. Another is lack of suitable land in convenient locations -- at a "reasonable" price. Yet another problem is high property taxes, the gift to government by the property owner that keeps on giving. But that's another topic for another day!

Some elected local leaders questioned the amount those pre-construction procedures and associated developmental fees could be both streamlined or lessened. No consensus was reached, although you can be sure the discussions will continue.

Well, if the goal is "affordable" housing, maybe Orange County and its municipalities might want to work out a deal with Durham County. Especially given this article which notes: "[s]ince last year, Orange County home values have increased five times more than home values in Wake and Durham counties," and this: "[t]he average resale price for a house in Orange County is now $443,680, up nearly $80,000 from 2004".