Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/215277
Sarasota News Leader November 22, 2013 Housing Fund to support economic development initiatives." The proposed amendment to that ordinance, the memo continues, "will expand the program to include community and economic development functions." Since the Community Housing Fund was created in 2007, the memo notes, $12,181,871 has been allocated from it for affordable housing, while $8,776,000 has gone to economic development efforts. A balance of $2,556,460 remains, the memo says. At present, as specified in Ordinance No. 2004-103, money reserved from the sale of escheated lots is to be used "for the purposes of infill development and affordable housing," the memo adds. The ordinance refers to such property as "[a]ny lots escheated by law for the non-payment of taxes, which are not dedicated by [the County Commission] for other purposes or are not to be conveyed to the recorded fee simple owner of the lot …" Page 55 would rename the initiative the Housing and Community Development Fund Program and say it is "to promote community and economic development, including the development of quality affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and local jobs." Lourdes Ramirez, president of the Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations, criticized the board during public comments on Nov. 20 for "thinking about raiding the affordable housing fund." Therefore, Commissioner Christine Robinson asked county Planner Mary Beth Humphreys for clarification of the amended language in the escheated lot ordinance. "Is the proposed [change] in any way taking these funds away from housing completely and assigning them to economic development?" "No, ma'am," Humphreys responded. The board could use the money in whatever way it chose if the amended ordinance were approved, Humphreys added. "Which is not the way it is currently?" Ordinance No. 2007-016 established the Robinson asked. Community Housing and Community Development Fund Program. The amendment "Correct," Humphreys replied. The County Commission sits in session for a regular meeting. File photo