Report prompts affordable housing bills

In answer to an April report by the Affordable Housing Production Task Force, a number of bills have been introduced to encourage construction of more affordable units.

Sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes, Senate Bill 149 would exempt properties that receive low-income housing tax credits from county and municipality property taxes. Under the bill, those properties would make an annual payment equal to 5% of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit’s annual net income as reported to the Delaware State Housing Authority. The property would also be exempt from school district taxes.

SB 150 would create a state program to provide low-interest, long-term mortgages for affordable rental housing. Mortgages would be provided through the Housing Development Fund for the acquisition, rehabilitation or construction of rental housing.

Both SB 149 and SB 150 await action in the Senate Housing & Land Use Committee.

Another piece of legislation, House Bill 185 would open site readiness funds to applicants seeking to create affordable housing. The bill awaits action in the House Housing Committee.

The Affordable Housing Production Task Force report provided nine objectives to encourage the development of affordable housing. These include expanding funding opportunities and incentives for developers, streamlining the approval and permitting process, and reforming local zoning.

Bill gives homeless rights

A bill supported by Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, D-Rehoboth Beach, would allow homeless individuals to take up public spaces, as long as they do not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic or create a hazard, unless alternative indoor space is available and has been offered, including transportation for them and their belongings.

The bill would also protect a homeless person from unreasonable search and seizure, and mandate their personal property is protected. Those living in a motor vehicle or recreational vehicle would be allowed to park on public property, as long as the vehicle does not obstruct traffic or create a hazard. In cases where a vehicle must be moved, the bill states that the vehicle must be allowed to be moved before a ticket is issued or the vehicle is towed.

Under the bill, a homeless person would be able to take action against the state or local government by raising a violation with the Attorney General’s Office. The bill specifically waives sovereign immunity by the government, and would allow the attorney general to take civil action against the state, local government, government agency or government officials who violate the bill.

The bill awaits action in the House Housing Committee.