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NEWS RELEASE

Juky 1, 2009

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Free Informational Workshop Scheduled July 7, 2009

Howard County Accepting Applications for Moderate Income Housing Unit Program

ELLICOTT CITY, MD –Howard County’s Department of Housing and Community Development announced today it has begun taking applications for the July enrollment period for the County’s moderate income housing unit (MIHU) program. The MIHU program is an inclusionary zoning program that requires developers of new housing in certain zoning districts to sell or rent some of the new dwelling units to households of moderate income. The program offers quality new homes at reduced prices and rents to eligible families. The application deadline is July 31, 2009.

“Many of the people who grew up or work in Howard County cannot afford to live here. They can only dream of living near their work, shortening their commutes, and enjoying the many benefits and amenities of Howard County,” said County Executive Ken Ulman. “The MIHU program is designed to help bridge the ‘affordability gap’ and make their dream a reality.”

In addition, the Department will hold an “MIHU Buyers and Renters Workshop” on July 7 in Room 2 of the Columbia Gateway Building, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The workshop is open to the public and will assist potential MIHU homebuyers and renters by explaining the program’s eligibility and application process. The workshop may include representatives from some of the current MIHU builders.

To buy an MIHU, individuals must first apply to the County’s Department of Housing and Community Development to be entered into the database. To be eligible to purchase, an applicant’s household income may not exceed 80% of the Howard County median – currently $81,338 for a family of four. Base sales prices for MIHUs range from about $136,000 for a two-bedroom condominium to about $216,000 for a three-bedroom townhome. Prices vary depending on the type, size and amenities of the units.

MIHU enrollment periods for purchase opportunities are held quarterly. The next MIHU lottery is anticipated to be held in August. Interested persons should visit the County website for information about the program at www.howardcountymd.gov, or call the Department of Housing & Community Development at 410-313-6318.