Athens Reporter

ACCGov's Housing & Community Development department (HCD) is seeking public comment on its proposed application for the HUD Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) Competition Program. HCD is requesting $5 million in PRICE funding from HUD to support repair, rehabilitation, and reconstruction activities of owner-occupied and rental manufactured homes; provide down payment assistance for manufactured home units and land; improve infrastructure in local manufactured home communities; and host related community education and outreach activities.

The draft application and other relevant materials are now available at www.accgov.com/hcd. ACC residents can provide feedback on the proposal between June 21 and July 6, 2024, via email (hcd@accgov.com), phone (706-613-3155), in person, or by mail (375 Satula Avenue, Athens, GA 30601). Staff will review, consider, and incorporate feedback received during the 15-day public comment period before submitting the final application to HUD by the July 10, 2024 deadline.

According to data from the ACCGov Planning Department, there are approximately 2,300 manufactured homes in ACC across 27 sites, accounting for 4.1% of all local housing units. Most of these homes (60%) are located within four communities that range between 170-270 units each. Approximately 1,300 units are owner-occupied (though they may rent the land they sit on) and around 1,000 are renter-occupied. Despite being some of the most affordable housing options in ACC, several barriers hinder their preservation and revitalization. These include high costs associated with preservation and repair, low financing availability to purchase units or lots, deficient infrastructure within manufactured home communities, and perceived poor quality.

The activities proposed in HCD’s PRICE application aim to address these key barriers. They also align with recommendations from the Affordable Housing Investment Strategy adopted by the Mayor & Commission in October 2023, as well as other recent reports highlighting local housing affordability challenges.

On May 7, 2024, the ACCGov Mayor and Commission voted to approve submitting a grant application for up to $5 million in HUD PRICE grant program funds and to accept the grant funds if awarded. Public comments shared during the May 7 Voting Session and April 16 Agenda Setting Session will also be incorporated into the final draft submitted to HUD.

For more information, visit www.accgov.com/hcd or contact the ACCGov Housing and Community Development Department at 706-613-3155 or HCD@accgov.com.