TOWN INFORMATION

 

The Town of Davidson has implemented a new tool to solicit feedback from citizens online. Similar to the platform Open Town Hall, Speak Up allows community members to offer their individual opinions on important topics in Davidson. Citizens can access Speak Up here or through the green button that reads “Speak Up – Join the Conversation” on the main page of the Town of Davidson website.

Everyone has access to read the “Discussion” section providing an overview of a project or issue, as well as view the “Topic” section, which posits a question to citizens. Before logging in, citizens will be able to see what others have already posted to Speak Up in response to the question.

To join the conversation, residents will be prompted to create a simple account with an email address, allowing access to the platform. After verifying their email account, citizens may then provide feedback to any open questions the town has posted on Speak Up.

The first question on this new platform concerns affordable housing at the Village at South Main. The discussion reads:

Village at South Main Townhomes has proposed the construction of three affordable homes in Downtown Davidson.

The market value of one home is $240,000 (an outside appraisal has been ordered), but the home would be discounted to $170,000. The reduction in price ($70,000) and soft costs would be applied to South Main Square Payment-in-Lieu (PIL), which amounts to $79,650 for 3 units.

For example: Buyer purchases for $170,000, which is a reduction of $70,000. Buyer requires $5,000 in closing costs (soft costs). Total reduction in price plus soft costs is $75,000 per unit ($225,000 for all three townhomes). Developer contributes $79,650 and the remaining $145,000 would be contributed from other PIL funds. These funds come from other developers and can only be used for affordable housing. A total of 8.5 PILs gets 3 new affordable townhomes in the prime downtown area.

The three homes would be deed restricted and available to households earning up to 80% of the AMI.

The topic asks the question: Do you think the Town of Davidson should move forward with the proposed model for affordable housing at the Village at South Main?

The Board of Commissioners seeks feedback on this project before September 10, 2019 at 5 p.m.