We love to have conversations around affordable housing and how big bad developers are only chasing the dirty dollar. But then the same administration proposes an increase in all the costs that go into an affordable house. We see countless examples of building codes and zoning ordinances tightening up regulations. A couple months ago, Red Bank increased the minimum house size (tax revenue $$) requirements. Elsewhere, we are seeing energy and building requirements increase.
Now, the city of Chattanooga is proposing an increase on stormwater fees in order to cover their own shortcomings from years ago.
In my house, when I make a whoopsie, I find a way to live within my means in order to dig myself out of the hole. My boss (my "taxpayer") wouldn't allow me to just come in and say, "Sorry, I need more money."
I would love to see a sample breakdown of what administrative expenses go into an "affordable house". By the time you pay $100-200/month in taxes, plus $183.54 in fees. Then you add in all of the LDO permit fees, culvert tile fees, inspection fees, building permit fees, etc. You've got a huge loan to pay down before you pay for the actual value of the affordable house. I would venture to guess that the affordable house is no longer even possible with all that the municipalities are saddling us with.
Taxed enough already,
Tim Giordano