Walton Sun:
As the value of real estate skyrockets in the Panhandle, ?affordable housing? has become a buzzword in Walton and neighboring counties.
?We?re not talking
about teachers and police officers,? Executive Director of Walton County Housing Ingrid Burmeister said. ?It?s those working at McDonald?s or the elderly.?
?Affordable housing? is often defined as not costing the occupant more than 30 percent of his or her total income. For someone making $10 an hour, that would equal roughly $480.
Housing and Urban Development attempts to make housing affordable for those on low or reduced incomes through vouchers. Approximately 60 HUD vouchers have been given to Walton County residents that have yet to be used.
The rental seekers can?t find anything because so many rental properties have been taken off the market, Burmeister said. ?Landlords are just selling their units.?
Angella, who asked her last name not be used, is a single mother working towards a degree. Without assistance from HUD she couldn?t afford to live in Walton County.
?It?s getting more expensive. If it weren?t for HUD, I wouldn?t be able to pay the bills,? Angella said.
Walton County?s housing problem is ?not unique,? since housing around the country is rising. However, the problem generally occurs in large metropolitan areas, HUD spokesperson Donna White said.
To help alleviate the problem locally, the Walton County Board of Commissioners voted to pursue the purchase of state land to provide workforce housing.
The BCC?s approval was necessary for the Walton Community Development Corporation, a non-profit organization, to begin negotiating the purchase of state land to create a community land trust, Chairman Joe Burton said.
?We?re structured to work with local and state to make this a reality,? he said.
Seven lots listed located north of 393 and a 10-acre parcel off of J.D. Miller Road are currently being investigated. The land tracts are not contiguous with any state park lands, Burton said.
Many within the county are concerned that a lack of affordable housing may thwart Walton County?s economic growth.
?If we can?t find housing that?s attainable, then we?re going to be severely limited to what we can do in the future,? Commissioner Cindy Meadows said.
?A lack of employees is linked to affordable housing,? Burton said.
Groups continue to discuss affordable housing, but ?I don?t know where those homes are at,? Commissioner Kenneth Pridgen said. ?How can a medium income family find a home??
?It?s an issue we?ve got to deal with,? Meadows said. ?I think we?re at the critical stage now.?
Replies
61
Meow
This sounds good....hope it becomes reality.
SoWal Insider
Thanks for posting this SoWal Sally.
Beach Fanatic
With the properties' being appraised for taxes so high its making the mortgages go up. I can't believe how my monthly payment jumped several hundred dollars per month just in a few years' time! Just thinking though how nice that I have n't seen a McDonald's in South Walton! That's another thing to like about it down there. Is there some kind of law keeping them out? I hope so!!!:clap_1:
Beach Fanatic
Seacrestkristi, it is not legal to ban a particular business or type of business. However, there are ways to create very effective disincentives for chains. Our town's ordinances are a model in that respect and, so far, we have not a single new chain business or anyone challenging. The one exception is an old A&W Root Beer shop next to the high school, which everyone suspects may someday be our McDonald's because it was built before the ordinances were fine-tuned. Here are some of the things that can be built into zoning ordinances to discourage:
(1) No drive-through windows
(2) Limit the size (sq. ft.) of establishments in commercially-zoned areas
(3) Limit the number of seats that are allowed in restaurants or even
create a "cap" on new restaurant seats (the latter not popular)
(4) Create a checklist entitled "local serving" and require new businesses
to meet at least most of the criteria in the checklist to be approved
(5) Have your Planning Director make it very clear to those who come in with
inquiries that there is a locals bias about chain business or formula (fast
food) restaurants. Most will go away at this early stage.
The most effective of the above seems to be no drive-through windows. But you have to be careful that they don't purchase a former bank building and try to create the drive-through that way. We are probably extremists in controlling what kinds of businesses are allowed here. Every single one has to go through a fairly grinding use permit process. But we have a 150-year old Main Street Downtown and the town is under constant pressure for more tourist-serving uses (Napa Valley). Also, it is a very small town and we are desperately trying to keep the balance between tourism and quality of life for local residents, not to mention protection of agriculture. So far, so good. The down side of this is ever-increasing rents in the small amount of space on Main Street, so that local-serving businesses are often forced out. Probably a good idea to create opporunities for shop owners to own their building space, if it is not too late.
(1) No drive-through windows
(2) Limit the size (sq. ft.) of establishments in commercially-zoned areas
(3) Limit the number of seats that are allowed in restaurants or even
create a "cap" on new restaurant seats (the latter not popular)
(4) Create a checklist entitled "local serving" and require new businesses
to meet at least most of the criteria in the checklist to be approved
(5) Have your Planning Director make it very clear to those who come in with
inquiries that there is a locals bias about chain business or formula (fast
food) restaurants. Most will go away at this early stage.
The most effective of the above seems to be no drive-through windows. But you have to be careful that they don't purchase a former bank building and try to create the drive-through that way. We are probably extremists in controlling what kinds of businesses are allowed here. Every single one has to go through a fairly grinding use permit process. But we have a 150-year old Main Street Downtown and the town is under constant pressure for more tourist-serving uses (Napa Valley). Also, it is a very small town and we are desperately trying to keep the balance between tourism and quality of life for local residents, not to mention protection of agriculture. So far, so good. The down side of this is ever-increasing rents in the small amount of space on Main Street, so that local-serving businesses are often forced out. Probably a good idea to create opporunities for shop owners to own their building space, if it is not too late.
SoWal Insider
With the properties' being appraised for taxes so high its making the mortgages go up. I can't believe how my monthly payment jumped several hundred dollars per month just in a few years' time! Just thinking though how nice that I have n't seen a McDonald's in South Walton! That's another thing to like about it down there. Is there some kind of law keeping them out? I hope so!!!:clap_1:
With both taxes and insurance going up (and if you have an ARM) you can expect more of the same going forward. Also expect to start paying $20 for burger, fries and a coke before too long (that's if you can find someone to serve it).
Beach Lover
With both taxes and insurance going up (and if you have an ARM) you can expect more of the same going forward. Also expect to start paying $20 for burger, fries and a coke before too long (that's if you can find someone to serve it).
Sounds like a good excuse to stay at home and cook your own burger and fries. There usually better anyway.
SoWal Insider
Sounds like a good excuse to stay at home and cook your own burger and fries. There usually better anyway.
Depends...who does the cooking and who does the cleaning up?
margarita brocolia
Thanks for the posts Sally & Donna! Interesting.
Beach Fanatic
Shelly, do you really think you're going to be paying $20 for a burger with fries because housing is expensive in South Walton? I'm going to make your day. One cannot buy a decent house for under a million dollars (and not much for that) in our town in CA, but we can still get a hamburger/fries in a lot of places for $5 or $6. Shucks...we can get a designer burger with all fresh "slow food" ingredients and a pistachio or espresso shake from the Gourmet Magazine acclaimed diner for $10. All is well...try real hard to pass it on. 
margarita brocolia
Shelly, do you really think you're going to be paying $20 for a burger with fries because housing is expensive in South Walton? I'm going to make your day. One cannot buy a decent house for under a million dollars (and not much for that) in our town in CA, but we can still get a hamburger/fries in a lot of places for $5 or $6. Shucks...we can get a designer burger with all fresh "slow food" ingredients and a pistachio or espresso shake from the Gourmet Magazine acclaimed diner for $10. All is well...try real hard to pass it on.
Mr.R just got back from Davis, CA where houses start maybe around $500,000 and he said he got a good Mexican meal for $6. :scratch:
Beach Fanatic
Thanks for all the info Donna. Affordable housing, especially for the elder, is one thing but McDonald's is quite another. I hope we can keep all the junk food places and the trash they create out of South Walton. I am truly amazed already at the litter on the beach and roadsides in such a beautiful gift from God and Mother Nature. We are all so blessed to even be able to see such beauty. 
Wonder if there is any special housing for the elderly in South Walton? That Mexican sounds yummy, Ms.Rita! We got a great place here in Gallatin,Tn too! tacos de carne asdada only $8.
we love Thomas' donuts' down there on Laguna Beach when we're down there! Burgers, malts-even a fish burger! Cheap too.Anyone looking for a very affordable vacation rental in Seacrest Beach check out our townhouse www.a1vacations.com/217515.
Beach Fanatic
:
Anyone looking for a very affordable vacation rental in Seacrest Beach check out our townhouse www.a1vacations.com/217515.
Oh, I love Thomas' donuts', too.
It's a real old-fashioned donut place (joint?) across the street from the beach on Front Beach Road in Panama City. It's about as far fetched from Starbuck's as one can get. I'm not much of a coffee drinker, so I can't say how good the coffee is, but boy those donuts are great. And I love the atmosphere. Sometimes we get our donuts and eat them at the beach in Panama City Beach for a change of view. sigh...As for hamburgers costing $20 on 30A, we got a fantastic 3 course meal at Cafe ThirtyA for $20/person last week. It was truly wonderful -- highly recommend the shrimp or the honey-macadamia nut crusted chicken. The desserts that came with the meal special were amazing. The kids thoroughly enjoyed their upscale dinner at Cafe Thirty A (as did we). I hear Basmati's has a $17 three-course meal as well. These specials are offered in the winter season -- I think at least through the beginning of spring break.
And your place is indeed a great deal on 30A. Nice place. We're kind of neighbors, seacrestkristi, because we back up to Camp Creek Golf course, too.
Beach Fanatic
Donna: "All is well...try real hard to pass it on" as you say in your post. I'm with you. :clap_1:
John Milton wisely said, "The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven." I love this quote.
More recently, researcher Barbara Fredrickson who studies positive emotions says that positive emotions (that aren't out of touch with reality) "broaden and build" whereas negative emotions "narrow and tear down". In other words, negative emotions narrow our ability to think and act in complex ways, whereas positive emotions broaden these abilitites and creates an upward spiral that increases our decision-making abilities, effectiveness and well-being in the short and long term (and people who feel and express positive emotions are more likely to promote the well-being of others as well). In fact, some researchers have found that people who focus on positive emotions are more, not less, likely to incorporate negative information into their decision-making process. Pretty neat stuff.
So, my hunch is the people who make the wisest real estate decisions (or who work effectively on the affordable housing situation) are those who look at the data broadly (rather than just a narrow set of data), analyze it in complex ways (rather than simplistic ways), and then take creative action and work hard (and effectively and positively with others) to make their decisions work.
Drat! I promised myself to stay off the real estate threads...
John Milton wisely said, "The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven." I love this quote.
More recently, researcher Barbara Fredrickson who studies positive emotions says that positive emotions (that aren't out of touch with reality) "broaden and build" whereas negative emotions "narrow and tear down". In other words, negative emotions narrow our ability to think and act in complex ways, whereas positive emotions broaden these abilitites and creates an upward spiral that increases our decision-making abilities, effectiveness and well-being in the short and long term (and people who feel and express positive emotions are more likely to promote the well-being of others as well). In fact, some researchers have found that people who focus on positive emotions are more, not less, likely to incorporate negative information into their decision-making process. Pretty neat stuff.
So, my hunch is the people who make the wisest real estate decisions (or who work effectively on the affordable housing situation) are those who look at the data broadly (rather than just a narrow set of data), analyze it in complex ways (rather than simplistic ways), and then take creative action and work hard (and effectively and positively with others) to make their decisions work.
Drat! I promised myself to stay off the real estate threads...
margarita brocolia
........ In fact, some researchers have found that people who focus on positive emotions are more, not less, likely to incorporate negative information into their decision-making process. Pretty neat stuff.
So, my hunch is the people who make the wisest real estate decisions (or who work effectively on the affordable housing situation) are those who look at the data broadly (rather than just a narrow set of data), analyze it in complex ways (rather than simplistic ways), and then take creative action and work hard (and effectively and positively with others) to make their decisions work.
Drat! I promised myself to stay off the real estate threads...
Not to worry Paula! Your post imo is very relavent to the RE Thread discussions.
For instance, two different people could go to bat for the same "cause"(like affordable housing), armed with their information and presentation, desiring the same outcome; but the approach they take in trying to accomplish their task and how they present themselves and information can easily result in one of the two reaching the intended goal while the other is "left standing".
Human nature. If I were having someone champion a cause for me, I would be selective in who I chose to get the job done.
"In fact, some researchers have found that people who focus on positive emotions are more, not less, likely to incorporate negative information into their decision-making process."
I find this research interesting and it makes so much sense.
Beach Fanatic
Glad to meet a neighbor and fellow Thomas' lover-Paula! l've lived in different areas in Florida and had never seen a coastal dune lake until we moved to Tennessee and heard about the panhandle for vacation. What a hidden treasure, huh? I'm about to go pack up right now. We're headed down there later today with our college daughter! We're ready to split this chilliness and hit the beach!!!:clap_1: Thanks also for the thumbs up on my affordable rental in South Walton! I have a For Sale sign in the window. I would not dream of selling it unless I was already blessed with having a little place just like it 2 doors down. Kind of reminds me of places I lived further south in the 70's, pastel stucco and all, nothing fancy, quiet small neighborhood.
love it! Guess we'll have to try Cafe 30A this time-sounded yummy! Maybe we can still get a special?!Beach Fanatic
seacrestkristi: I think the specials at Cafe30A are on this week, too; check with Basmati's as well. We felt very pampered at Cafe 30A for such a reasonable price.
Yes, I clearly love the area and am learning a lot about nature (it has never been my strong suit, but I now understand and protect the dunes and turtles, too!). As small as the 30A area is, there is still so much to see that I think it will take a long time before I even get through half of what it offers! Perhaps someday we'll meet. I have two daughters, but they are not yet college age (though we get the dinner specials because we have to save $ for college...).
If one of your places is for sale, have you posted on this message board yet. I can vouch for the location though I haven't seen your place!
Yes, I clearly love the area and am learning a lot about nature (it has never been my strong suit, but I now understand and protect the dunes and turtles, too!). As small as the 30A area is, there is still so much to see that I think it will take a long time before I even get through half of what it offers! Perhaps someday we'll meet. I have two daughters, but they are not yet college age (though we get the dinner specials because we have to save $ for college...).
If one of your places is for sale, have you posted on this message board yet. I can vouch for the location though I haven't seen your place!
Beach Fanatic
Thanks, Rita. Some of the discussions on this real estate and other threads require some pretty complex and creative thinking if people are actually thinking about investing or solving problems in the community. I don't know enough about the area (yet) but I do know something about how to make good decisions. And extreme positions (e.g., "sky is falling" or "everyone is going to make money") and consistently negative positions don't fall into the "good decision" framework (nor do consistently positive positions) because they cloud our judgment.
Beach FanaticAuthor
Housing survey on the way Complete and return by May 26
BY JOYCE OWEN SUN REPORTER
With a shortage of affordable housing in Walton County, business leaders have joined the Walton County Chamber of Commerce and Walton County government to form the Workforce Housing Task Force to address the problem.
The Task Force prepared a survey to gather information about those who work in Walton County. On April 26, members of the Task Force announced the survey would be distributed to employers in Walton County.
The survey will discover who is living and working in Walton County and those who are working here but unable to live near their job. There are also questions about commuting and whether the participant?s commute has changed. Participants will also have an opportunity to offer solutions. With that information, the Task Force will have the data needed to understand the scope of the problem.
?We have a good idea where our affordable housing needs are, but this will provide hard data,? Pat Blackshear, the director of Walton County Planning and Development Services, said.
Blackshear said the information would be used to amend the county?s Comprehensive Plan, specifically regarding requirements for developments to comply with traffic concurrency.
Builders can ?pay and go? for traffic concurrency issues, Blackshear said. However, a $500,000 fee would prevent developers from building affordable housing.
?They are looking at the bottom line. Without changes to the traffic concurrency developers will not build affordable housing,? Rick Severance, Walton County Chamber Board of Directors chairman, said. ?We must allow developers to make a profit. (Building affordable housing) must make financial sense.?
Severance asked employers to distribute the survey to employees. Some of the larger companies will enclose the survey with paychecks, he said.
The surveys only take a few minutes to complete and should be returned by May 26.
They can be returned to the employer, the chamber offices or the local Publix Supermarkets. The surveys can also be completed online at www.waltoncountychamber.com. The University of West Florida?s Haas Center will analyze the surveys.
As an incentive, participants will be registered to win a two-night stay at a cottage in Seaside.
BY JOYCE OWEN SUN REPORTER
With a shortage of affordable housing in Walton County, business leaders have joined the Walton County Chamber of Commerce and Walton County government to form the Workforce Housing Task Force to address the problem.
The Task Force prepared a survey to gather information about those who work in Walton County. On April 26, members of the Task Force announced the survey would be distributed to employers in Walton County.
The survey will discover who is living and working in Walton County and those who are working here but unable to live near their job. There are also questions about commuting and whether the participant?s commute has changed. Participants will also have an opportunity to offer solutions. With that information, the Task Force will have the data needed to understand the scope of the problem.
?We have a good idea where our affordable housing needs are, but this will provide hard data,? Pat Blackshear, the director of Walton County Planning and Development Services, said.
Blackshear said the information would be used to amend the county?s Comprehensive Plan, specifically regarding requirements for developments to comply with traffic concurrency.
Builders can ?pay and go? for traffic concurrency issues, Blackshear said. However, a $500,000 fee would prevent developers from building affordable housing.
?They are looking at the bottom line. Without changes to the traffic concurrency developers will not build affordable housing,? Rick Severance, Walton County Chamber Board of Directors chairman, said. ?We must allow developers to make a profit. (Building affordable housing) must make financial sense.?
Severance asked employers to distribute the survey to employees. Some of the larger companies will enclose the survey with paychecks, he said.
The surveys only take a few minutes to complete and should be returned by May 26.
They can be returned to the employer, the chamber offices or the local Publix Supermarkets. The surveys can also be completed online at www.waltoncountychamber.com. The University of West Florida?s Haas Center will analyze the surveys.
As an incentive, participants will be registered to win a two-night stay at a cottage in Seaside.
Beach Fanatic
I have affordable housing up 4 sale.. I just do not want it! Townhouse- 2 bd 2.5 bth cross from beach all newly done furnished with bright colors! i'll take 270k just to get rid of it! email me for my lawyers # ass fees 289 a month.
Beach Comber
The only people wanted in South Walton CO are tourists and millionaires according to the cost of living index here. Working class "folks" are not wanted, move north of D Funk and commute is what we are being told. The fat cats in Walton keep getting fatter by not letting any competion in the area. Wheter it be fast food, real estate, gas or the "widget". To live south of the bay it takes 150k plus per year. Get out and vote them out.
SoWal Expert
It's expensive to live here, but doable. I live south of the bay on an income of FAR less than $150K.
FYI, there is already a restaurant w/ a drive-thru window, a Subway, and 2 Starbucks on 30-A.
FYI, there is already a restaurant w/ a drive-thru window, a Subway, and 2 Starbucks on 30-A.
Beach Fanatic
It's expensive to live here, but doable. I live south of the bay on an income of FAR less than $150K.I'm racking my brain for the drive-thru....
FYI, there is already a restaurant w/ a drive-thru window, a Subway, and 2 Starbucks on 30-A.
SoWal Expert
Blue Orleans!
You don't talk into a clown's mouth or anything, but it is there for to-go orders.
You don't talk into a clown's mouth or anything, but it is there for to-go orders.
Beach Fanatic
Blue Orleans!What do you call Gator then?
You don't talk into a clown's mouth or anything, but it is there for to-go orders.
:rofl:Edited
Beach Fanatic
Demographic info for zip code 32549- Santa Rosa Beach
http://www.zipskinny.com/index.php?zip=32459
Median household income is $42,359 a year, which is lower not only than Destin ($52K a year) but also Niceville ($54K a year, and surprisingly the highest family income zip code in the central/western Panhandle) Shalimar ($51K a year) and several other places along the coast.
So for an average family looking to buy a first home in the 32549 would be looking for something less than $140K. Five years ago, you could find a small but nice home in Flamingo Village at that price. Now, Bueller? Bueller?
http://www.zipskinny.com/index.php?zip=32459
Median household income is $42,359 a year, which is lower not only than Destin ($52K a year) but also Niceville ($54K a year, and surprisingly the highest family income zip code in the central/western Panhandle) Shalimar ($51K a year) and several other places along the coast.
So for an average family looking to buy a first home in the 32549 would be looking for something less than $140K. Five years ago, you could find a small but nice home in Flamingo Village at that price. Now, Bueller? Bueller?
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