August 9, 1999

PUBLIC HEARING - Habitat for Humanity Grant

Chairman Hawkins made the motion for the Board to go into Public Hearing. All voted in favor and the motion carried.

Malcolm McCormick, Grants Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity, reminded the Board of the application summary which had been distributed to the Board for their review.

The Henderson County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity requested that Henderson County apply for a North Carolina Small Cities Community Development Block Grant on their behalf. Along with the Application Summary, the Board also received copies of the Project Overview and Project Costs for the grant.

The purpose of this meeting was a public hearing to give the public an opportunity to comment on both the activities and costs associated with the grant.

Mr. McCormick stated that the grant application is for infrastructure which would include streets, water, and drainage to serve 28 lots at the East Flat Rock development, a total of $176,322 plus administration and planning $31,500 for a total of $207,822. They are commiting to complete 15 homes within the 30 month timeframe that this CDBG applies. It must be closed out 30 months after being awarded. They have agreed to allow them to spread the infrastructure over a 28 home development because they already own the land. They are not asking Raleigh to help with the purchase of the land. These homes typically have approx. 1,000 to 1,100 square feet and are within line of what they have been completing all over the county. They have completed 34 homes so far. They currently have three homes under construction at the East Flat Rock site. They have not completed any of the infrastructure that they are applying for. Habitat will be responsible for all of the construction costs and all of the grant funds will apply for infrastructure only ($207,822).

Mr. McCormick explained that the mortgage for one of these homes would come down to $53,356 after deducting $11,755 for the grant money and deducting assistance from Federal Home Loan Bank of $6,000. $53,356 spread over a typical 20 year mortgage equals a monthly house payment of $222.32. They also escrow for taxes, approx. $40 a month and insurance, $27 so a typical Habitat partner family would pay about $289 or $290 a month and would own the home after 20 years.

He shared a copy of the layout of the homes. They are currently progressing with three homes and hope to start two additional foundations next week. Next year, hopefully after the receipt of the grant funds, they can let the contracts to put in streets, water, and drainage.

Public Input

None, other than Malcolm McCormick.