What you need to know about the Durham affordable housing bond

Tuesday, November 5, 2019
HOUSING BONDS
HOUSING BONDS

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Durham residents will vote on a $95 million affordable housing bond on Tuesday.

According to Durham's website , it would mean:

  • 1,600 new affordable housing units and 800 affordable rental units preserved
  • 1,700 homeless moved into permanent housing
  • 400 affordable home ownership opportunities for first-time homebuyers
  • 3,000 low-income renters and homeowners would stay in their homes or improve them
  • Supporters said it'd help 15,000 residents.

    In order to pay for the bond, there would be increased property tax of 1.6 cents per $100 of assessed property value.

    The average home price in Durham is $230,000.

    That means the average homeowner would pay about $37 more per year on their property tax.

    Desmond McDaniel lives at the Hometown Studios by Red Roof in Durham because he said he can't afford the rising rents in Durham. He supports the affordable housing bond.

    "It would help a whole lot to be able to afford a place of my own, and not have to have roommates," McDaniel said.

    The Durham County Republican Party said in a statement that they're opposing the bond and urging a no vote "because of the lack of clarity as to the specific taxpayer expenditures authorized by the proposed affordable housing bond..."

    You can hear what the Mayoral candidates have to say about the bond and affordable housing here.

    McDaniel admits he has a criminal background, with an assault with a deadly weapon charge but said he served his time and now has a full-time job. He wants to get ahead but faces that major hurdle. He needs affordable housing.

    "In life people always say you served your time." McDaniel said. "It shouldn't hinder you from progressing in your life especially when you're doing positive things and you could be a great person in the community."

    Copyright © 2024 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.