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July 15, 2022

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Calusa Pointe II 

 

At the July 12th Board of County Commissioners Meetings, the Board unanimously approved $2,500,000 for the new construction of a 144-unit multifamily rental apartment complex known as Calusa Pointe II in Belle Glade. 


This complex will include 114 units for households at 60% Area Median Income and 30 units for households at 50%. All 144 units, comprised of 96 two-bedroom and 48 three-bedroom units, will remain affordable for 30 years.


Safe and affordable housing is one of the most pressing issues facing our County. With skyrocketing rent prices and more and more cases of slumlords taking advantage of some of our County's most disadvantaged residents, I'm proud to support this funding to bring these much needed new rental units to the Glades.


From Day 1 as the District 6 County Commissioner, I vowed to make housing a priority. Promises made, promises kept.


Glades Property Values

 

The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's Office has released its final property valuations for this year. Here's the change in net value since 2021 for the three Glades cities:


Belle Glade: 9%

Pahokee: 6.7%

South Bay: 14.6%


This is great news for Glades homeowners! 

Parks and Recreation 50th Anniversary


To commemorate a half-century of the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, Palm Tran has released a new bus wrap that features panoramic pictures of local parks. The Board of County Commissioners, Administration, Palm Tran, and Parks and Recreation staff marked the celebration by posing in front of the bus on July 12, at the Governmental Center.


In addition to the bus wrap, Parks and Recreation Department Director Eric Call announced that the festivities will include a 70s-themed 5K race. The department is also putting together a time capsule that will be opened in 50 years. It will include mementos of the department’s 50th anniversary.


Palm Beach County has a wonderful array of parks and recreational opportunities. To learn more, visit here

Millage Rate Reduction

 

At the July 12th County Commission meeting, the Board voted 4-2 to reduce the County millage for the 2023 Fiscal Year. After holding the rate at 4.7815 for twelve years, the millage will decrease to a not to exceed rate of 4.7150.


The median property value in Palm Beach County is $375,980. The millage reduction will save homeowners with that value approximately $20-30 on their tax bill. 


As mentioned, this vote was simply to set the “do not exceed” amount for the annual millage rate and NOT the final vote. I voted against this because we still have the ability to lower it but wanted some flexibility in case an emergency happens between now and September, like a hurricane. I do plan on supporting the annual budget at the reduced rate when it is presented to us in a few weeks but just wanted to temporarily provide us flexibility just in case. Once you set the maximum rate, you cannot exceed it but we can always lower it.


I was one of two commissioners who voted against a proposed rate increase for a housing bond because I don’t think it’s the right time to ask for an increase, and I also voted against the proposed increase to the garbage pickup assessments due to the high increases for my constituents. During my time on the Commission, the millage rate has never been raised. I am proud of that and will continue to be a watchdog during my final months on this Board. 

Air Conditioning Replacement Program


PBC Community Services to Offer Air Conditioning (HVAC) Replacement Program to Homeowners


The Crisis Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Replacement Program, through LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program), is working to assist low-income Palm Beach County homeowners in need of replacing their home’s HVAC system, with assistance up to $15,000. This money can be used to replace their home cooling system.


Clients must be income-eligible, live in Pam Beach County, and are required to show that they are in a crisis situation. Completed applications must show one or more of the following:


• The HVAC system no longer cools

• HVAC unit is 10 years or older

• Proof of high energy bills

• Proof of life threatening environment via a doctor’s statement


For program guidelines and to apply for assistance, please visit https://www.utilityassistancepbc.org/ or call 561-355-4792.

Housing Assistance Programs


Palm Beach County’s Department of Housing and Economic Development (HED) announces the availability of funding for the following programs: 


HOME Investments Partnership Program – Funding Allocation of $1,800,000:

First Time Homebuyer Program – through August 22, 2022 at 11:59pm (or until 40 applications have been submitted). Funding will assist income eligible first-time homebuyers with gap financing, lot acquisition, down payment, closing costs and/or rehabilitation, to purchase a new or existing home. Applicants are required to attend a Mandatory Orientation prior to application submittal. Register now at https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6869720/HED-HOME


State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program – Funding Allocation of $500,000:

Foreclosure Prevention Program - until all funding is expended. Funding will assist income eligible homeowners who are facing foreclosure due to an unexpected loss of household income.


Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Program – Funding Allocation of $2,100,000: 

Mortgage Assistance Program  until all funding is expended. Funding will assist applicants impacted by COVID19, to apply for up to $20,000, in financial assistance to help with paying delinquent first mortgage, escrow payments (PITI), second mortgages, late fees, condominium and homeowners’ association payments, special assessments, and other mortgage associated costs related to COVID-19.


NOTE: Applications must be submitted online, and will be processed on a first submitted, first qualified, first served basis, subject to funding availability on the dates noted above by visiting the website at https://pbcgov.com/HED

 

For additional information, please contact:

Palm Beach County Department of Housing and Economic Development (HED)

Mortgage and Housing Investments Division

Telephone: (561) 233-3600

HEDverify@pbcgov.org

Commissioner Melissa McKinlay

(561) 355-2206

mmckinlay@pbcgov.org


Kelley Burke

Chief of Staff

(561) 355-2206

kburke@pbcgov.org

Joseph Sophie

Senior Legislative Aide

(561) 355-2206

jsophie@pbcgov.org


Lisa Wilson

Legislative Aide

(561) 996-4814

awilson1@pbcgov.org

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