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NEWS RELEASE

September 22, 2008

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Free Informational Workshop Scheduled October 6

Howard County Accepting Applications for Moderate Income Housing Unit Program

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Beginning October 1, Howard County’s Department of Housing and Community Development will be taking applications for the October enrollment period for the County’s moderate income housing unit (MIHU) program. The MIHU program is an inclusionary zoning program that requires developers of new housing in certain zoning districts to sell or rent some of the new dwelling units to households of moderate income. The program offers quality new homes at reduced prices, and rents to eligible families. The application deadline is October 31, 2008.

“Many of the people who grew up or work in Howard County cannot afford to live here. They can only dream of living near their work, shortening their commutes, and enjoying the many benefits and amenities of Howard County,” said County Executive Ulman. “The MIHU program is designed to help bridge the ‘affordability gap’ and make their dream a reality.”

In addition, County Executive Ulman announced that the County will hold an “MIHU Buyers and Renters Workshop” on October 6, 2008, in Room 6 of the Gateway Building, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia from 7 to 9 p.m. The workshop is open to the public and will assist potential MIHU homebuyers and renters by explaining the program’s eligibility and application process. The workshop will include representatives from some of the current MIHU builders.

“We are pleased that we have many high-quality, yet affordable housing options coming on line soon,” said Stacy L. Spann, Director of Housing & Community Development. Three-bedroom townhome MIHUs, as well as one, two and three-bedroom apartments, are now available in Belmont Station, near Route 1 in Elkridge. In addition, the Elkridge Crossing, Village Towns and Howard Square subdivisions, also near Route 1, are offering three-bedroom townhomes and two-bedroom condominium apartments.

To buy an MIHU, individuals must first apply to the County’s Department of Housing and Community Development to be placed on a waiting list. To be eligible to purchase, an applicant’s household income may not exceed 80% of the Howard County median – currently $75,408 for a family of four. Base sales prices for MIHUs range from about $100,000 for a condominium to about $240,000 for a single-family home. Prices vary depending on the type, size and amenities of the units.

For example, MIHU prices in the Belmont Station, Elkridge Crossing, and Village Towns subdivisions range between about $180,000 and $204,000. In order to purchase one of these homes, a buyer must have a household income of at least $53,000.

MIHU enrollment periods for purchase opportunities are held quarterly. The next MIHU lottery is anticipated to be held in mid-November. Interested persons should visit the County website for information about the program at www.howardcountymd.gov, or call the Department of Housing & Community Development at 410-313-6318.