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NEWS RELEASE

October 1, 2009

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Free Informational Workshop Scheduled October 8, 2009

Howard County Accepting Applications for Moderate Income Housing Unit Program

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County’s Department of Housing and Community Development is accepting applications for the October 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 sale prices and rents to eligible families. The application deadline is October 31, 2009.

Since 2007, 65 new townhomes and condos have been built and released to the MIHU homeownership program. Over the last 2 ½ years, 55 families have been awarded the opportunity and have become homeowners in communities throughout the County such as Belmont Station, Cherry Tree, Elkridge Crossing, Gatherings at Jefferson Place, Shipley’s Grant, and Village Towns. Currently, 10 families are under contract for new homes to be built by January 2010.

“We are extremely excited to see that the goals of the MIHU program are being realized. This program is helping to bridge the ‘affordability gap’ by offering housing opportunities to those working families that want to be a part of our community. As a result of this program, 55 families now call Howard County home,” said County Executive Ken Ulman.

To purchase an MIHU home, persons must apply to the County’s Department of Housing and Community Development and be placed on a waiting list. To be eligible to purchase, an applicant’s household income may not exceed 80% of the Howard County median income – currently $81,338 for a family of four. Household income must be sufficient to qualify for a home mortgage based on industry standards. Base sale prices for MIHUs can range from $121,000 for a condominium to $229,000 for a townhome. Sale prices vary depending on the size and amenities of the unit.

“We are pleased that more high-quality, yet affordable housing options are coming on line very soon. Construction starts for new homes are up and we expect the fall to be a busy time for the MIHU program. We are also seeing an increase in housing options from developers for applicants age 55+ who are seeking active adult community homeownership in the County through the program,” said Stacy Spann, the County’s housing director.

The Department will hold an “MIHU Buyers and Renters Workshop” on Thursday, October 8, 2009, in the Columbia Gateway Building (6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, 1st floor, Columbia) from 6:00 to 8:00 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. A representative from Bozzuto Management will be available to discuss MIHU rental options.

To rent an MIHU unit, an applicant’s household income may not exceed 60% of the Howard County median income, which is currently $61,003 for a family of four. Rents range from $1,144 to $1,769, including utilities. MIHUs are interspersed throughout each community and residents enjoy all of the amenities of the community. Prospective renters may apply directly to the participating rental community at any time during the year. MIHUs are rented on a first-come, first-serve basis. Currently Belmont Station, Ashbury Courts and Penniman Park are accepting MIHU rental applications. New rental opportunities in some active adult communities for applicants age 55+ should be available in the next few months as well. Rental management addresses and phone numbers can be found on the Department’s website under MIHU information.

Open enrollment periods for the MIHU purchase program are held quarterly. The current enrollment period begins October 1 and ends October 31. Lottery drawings for MIHU units in Belmont Station, Village Towns and Gatherings at Jefferson Place are anticipated to be held in November. Interested persons should visit the County website at www.howardcountymd.gov or call the Department at 410-313-6318.