Georgetown, Del., Jan. 22, 2008: Sussex County government is once again trying to help its residents realize the American dream of home-ownership.

Sussex County Administrator David B. Baker announced Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008, that Sussex County is seeking developer proposals in the newest round for the Moderately Priced Housing Unit program. Applicants have until early March to submit proposals for the program, which aims to increase the county’s housing stock for middle-income professionals, such as teachers, nurses and police officers.

Adopted by Sussex County Council in January 2006, the MPHU ordinance is an incentive-based program designed to attract developers to construct more attainable housing for thousands of Sussex County residents. In exchange for agreeing to build housing that is affordable – for households earning between $30,900 and $68,875 annually, based on size – developers can win expedited reviews and increased densities for their projects.

The first round of proposals, in March 2006, attracted three bids that have since yielded more than 500 approved affordable housing units. Sussex County is launching this latest round after numerous requests in recent months from developers interested in taking part in the program, said Brandy A. Bennett, housing coordinator in the County’s Community Development & Housing office.

In this second round, the County is particularly interested in receiving applications from developers with smaller projects – between 40 and 60 units. The County is hopeful that, given the recent troubles within the real estate market, smaller projects might result in quicker turn-around from concept to construction, Ms. Bennett said.

“Even though the market has slowed, there is still quite a bit of developer interest in participating in the County’s affordable housing program,” Ms. Bennett said. “We’re hopeful that this latest round will put residents in new, affordable homes within the next 18 months to two years.”

Also new in this second round will be the consideration of projects that already have preliminary approval through the County’s Planning & Zoning office. While those projects must still adhere to program guidelines, they would not qualify for expedited review or bonus densities.

Those wishing to participate in the program must meet a variety of criteria to qualify. Applicants will be scored based on their proposals, and considered accordingly for participation in the program. The Community Development & Housing office will accept the proposals, review and score them, and then make a recommendation to County Council for its approval of participants.

The guidelines and application can be found on the county’s Web site at sussexcountyde.gov under the Community Development & Housing Department. An informational meeting for interested parties will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008, in the County Council chambers of the County Administrative Offices building, 2 The Circle, in Georgetown.

Applications must be submitted by no later than 4 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2008, to be considered. For more information, call (302) 855-7777.

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