HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter re Habitat Mason St JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Mark McCauley, County Administrator
DATE: February 26,2024
SUBJECT: Request for approval of a letter of support: Support for$3 million in Federal
Appropriations for the Habitat for Humanity Mason Street Neighborhood
Affordable Housing Development in Port Hadlock,Jefferson County
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
Habitat for Humanity is requesting Board of County Commissioners support for a$3 million
federal appropriation for their Port Hadlock affordable housing development on the Mason Street
property. A draft letter of support is attached for the Board's consideration.
ANALYSIS:
Jefferson County has previously supported the Mason Street project, first with $500,000 in
American Rescue Plan(ARPA) funds to help acquire the Mason Street property followed by
another$80,000 in ARPA funds to help fund the development of the project master plan.
The Mason Street project will provide a substantial number of affordable housing units that will
help house the workers the county so desperately needs for its economy to grow. A federal
appropriation will go a long way towards making this project successful.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Board of County Commissioners read the letter and agree to sign it as presented or as
revised.
REVIEWED BY:
Mark McCaule ounty Administrator Date
p,C co
oNssr Board of County Commissioners
�4w4. c° 0 1820 Jefferson Street
apace PO Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
O� Kate Dean,District 1 Heidi Eisenhour,District 2 Greg Brotherton,District 3
ING`t
February 26, 2024
Jamie Maciejewski,Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County
P.O. Box 658
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Subject: Support for$3 Million in Federal Appropriations for the Mason St Neighborhood
Affordable Housing Development in Port Hadlock, Jefferson County
Dear Jamie,
I am writing to express Jefferson County's strong support for your request of$3 million in
federal appropriations towards completing the initial phase of Habitat for Humanity of East
Jefferson County (Habitat EJC)'s Mason St Neighborhood in Port Hadlock. This transformative
project comprising 150 permanently affordable mixed-income homes is a gamechanger for our
rural county on the Olympic Peninsula.
Habitat EJC's Mason St.Neighborhood aligns seamlessly with Jefferson County's urgent need
for high-quality, accessible,and inclusive homeownership opportunities for the local workforce,
from service workers through emergency, education, and healthcare professionals. By addressing
the affordable homeownership needs of individuals and families across various income brackets
up to 150%AMI,this development will significantly contribute to the overall well-being and
stability of our community.
The Mason St.Neighborhood will benefit the greater Jefferson County community in the
following ways:
Permanently Affordable Homeownership: The commitment to maintaining affordability in
perpetuity ensures that the benefits of this project will endure for generations to come.
Mixed-Income Model: The project's focus on serving a mix of incomes, including those below
80%AMI and middle incomes of 80-1 S0%AMI,fosters socio-economic diversity and promotes a
vibrant and inclusive community.
Sustainable Development: The master plan incorporates sustainable and environmentally
friendly design principles, aligning with our community's commitment to responsible urban
development.
Phone(360) 385-9100 Fax(360) 385-9382 jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us
Community Engagement: The development process led by Habitat for Humanity of East
Jefferson County has been marked by extensive community engagement, ensuring that the project
is responsive to the unique needs and preferences of our residents and rural community profile.
The $3 million in federal appropriations sought by Habitat EJC for this project is crucial in
advancing its development and bringing these much-needed affordable homes to fruition. This
funding will not only support the construction of the physical infrastructure but also contribute to
the economic vitality and resilience of our community.
On behalf of Jefferson County, we urge our congressman and senators to consider the long-term
benefits that Habitat's Mason St Neighborhood will bring to Jefferson County and allocate the
necessary federal appropriations to support its successful completion. Their commitment to this
project will not only address our community's housing challenges but will also stand as a
testament to their dedication to creating sustainable, equitable, and thriving neighborhoods and
communities.
Please let me know how we may further support Habitat EJC's crucial efforts to increase
affordable homeownership in Jefferson County. We look forward to the positive impact that
federal support for the Mason St Neighborhood will have on our community.
Sincerely,
Kate Dean, Dist.No. 1 Heidi Eisenhour, Dist. No. 2 Greg Brotherton, Chair, Dist.No. 3