| Housing for All: Developing Housing for the Workforce | ||
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Summary On May 23, 2007, ULI South Carolina and the Lowcountry Housing Trust hosted Housing for All: Developing Housing for the Workforce, a half-day conference that brought together regional developers, realtors, engineers, planners, government entities and housing providers to discuss the issues related to workforce housing, including local barriers, solutions, and implementation strategies. The event held at 10 Store House Row at the Navy Yard in North Charleston drew more than 100 affordable housing proponents and was highlighted by a panel discussion with 12 local planners and developers moderated by Tammie Hoy, LHT’s Executive Director. John Knott, president/chief executive officer and co-founder of the Noisette Company, LLC and chairman of ULI South Carolina, welcomed guests to the conference and provided opening remarks. Panelist agreed that affordable housing must be a key topic in the upcoming comprehensive development plans of all local municipalities. One local developer on the panel, Walt Martin with Associated Developers, discussed the rare opportunity that the comprehensive planning process presents for planning for our collective future and urged the development of a regional housing plan. Likewise, both planners and developers agreed that density bonuses and relaxed zoning regulations are effective tools that local municipalities could use to encourage developers to produce more workforce housing, however negative public perceptions must first be overcome and the public and local officials must be educated on the repercussions of low density development with large lot sizes - such as sprawl, longer commute times, and increased housing costs. ULI - The Urban Land Institute is a nonprofit education and research institute that is supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute today has over 36,000 members in 90 countries representing the entire spectrum of the land use and development disciplines. As the preeminent, multidisciplinary real estate forum, ULI facilitates the open exchange of ideas, information and experience among local, national and international industry leaders and policy makers dedicated to creating better places. Panelist Included: Debby Waid (Humanities Foundation) Presentations College of Charleston Master of Public Administration Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce
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