Pembroke Pines Affordable Housing Study to Proceed Despite Builders’ Challenges

City officials in Pembroke Pines are preparing to move forward with a new affordable housing study despite claims by the area builders association that working people have no problem finding places to live.

Area home builders are using old and flawed data, city officials believe, adding that a new study would show whether the need exists. It also would show, they say, how the city can best help working people.

Brandon Biederman, affairs director for the Broward County division of the Builders Association of South Florida, said in an e-mail to Mayor Frank Ortis and city commissioners that there is “no affordability gap in Pembroke Pines.”

“In Pembroke Pines, the average median household income is $64,902, which gives an approximate buying power of $255,414 [for a house],” Biederman said.

“While the affordability gap for single-family homes certainly exists, an individual making $64,902 would be able to afford a condo in Pembroke Pines where the average price is $180,000.”

City officials criticized his data on two counts:

• Most condo apartments in Pembroke Pines are in communities for people age 55 and older, so they aren’t open to working families.
• The association’s housing and cost data are based on the years 2002-2005, meaning the cost of a Florida mortgage has changed greatly since.

Commissioners discussed the builders association remarks at a recent meeting when they voted unanimously to order a study of affordable housing needs and create a trust fund to help families.

The study will include data so commissioners can decide the income levels of those who might be helped; whether to help only the city employees or anyone who works in the city; and whether the city should build houses and condos or sell land for private developers to do it. Also, it would help them decide whether to sell or rent houses or apartments.

The city is involved in affordable housing with two rental complexes for those older than 55, and down payment assistance and home repair assistance for residents with low incomes.

Vice Mayor Iris Siple said, “We should consider low-interest [Florida home loans] for those already in homes” who could lose them because of increases in taxes and insurance.

Commissioner Carl Shechter said the impact of high property insurance and taxes would be looked at, but that the original intent of the plan to help working people was to enable the city to recruit and retain employees.

“Having one of the highest-paid police departments does no good if housing doesn’t exist,” he said.

SOURCE: Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel