Committee approves surplus-property bill with waiver for financial feasibility

The committee approved CB100 as amended to require the county to evaluate surplus property for its suitability for affordable or elderly housing and to include a specified share of affordable units in certain dispositions.

Perry Paylor, executive director of the county redevelopment authority, told the committee the authority "strongly supports the county's commitment to expanding affordable housing" but asked for an amendment creating "an adequate financial feasibility exception" to preserve project viability when extraordinary site or remediation costs make requirements infeasible. The sponsor accepted a waiver mechanism and a reporting requirement so the council can review any granted waivers. After debate about projects already underway, the committee approved the bill as amended by a 4-0 vote.