POSITION STATEMENT ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Most Harris Township residents have stated that they do not oppose affordable workforce housing in our Township. A challenge facing Supervisors is integrating workforce housing into neighborhoods.
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 15 percent of Harris Township families earned less than $35,000 per year and approximately half of the residents of Harris Township did not earn enough to purchase a $238,000 home (median Harris Township home value at that time). More recent data from the 2013-2017 American Community Survey showed Harris Township Median Household income of $100,900, and the Median Value of occupied housing units was $293,400.
The Centre Region's Growth Forecasting Project in 2017 estimated that Harris Township, with its estimated population of 5,446, could add another 2,100 residents by 2030 which, assuming 2.65 residents per household, would equate to nearly 800 new dwelling units. Harris Township has the option of spreading these new housing units over the entire township, thus adding to sprawl, or as recommended in the Comprehensive Plan, concentrating the units within the Regional Growth Boundary, served by public sewer and CATA bus lines, reducing vehicle traffic.
Does Harris Township desire a resident base with a diverse income or do we wish to concentrate on large-lot developments? As we have done in the past, I believe that Harris Township should appeal to families with varied income levels and respond by providing some housing options suitable for lower and middle-income families. Currently in Harris Township, it is difficult for first-time home buyers to locate an affordable home and homes sell very quickly.
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 15 percent of Harris Township families earned less than $35,000 per year and approximately half of the residents of Harris Township did not earn enough to purchase a $238,000 home (median Harris Township home value at that time). More recent data from the 2013-2017 American Community Survey showed Harris Township Median Household income of $100,900, and the Median Value of occupied housing units was $293,400.
The Centre Region's Growth Forecasting Project in 2017 estimated that Harris Township, with its estimated population of 5,446, could add another 2,100 residents by 2030 which, assuming 2.65 residents per household, would equate to nearly 800 new dwelling units. Harris Township has the option of spreading these new housing units over the entire township, thus adding to sprawl, or as recommended in the Comprehensive Plan, concentrating the units within the Regional Growth Boundary, served by public sewer and CATA bus lines, reducing vehicle traffic.
Does Harris Township desire a resident base with a diverse income or do we wish to concentrate on large-lot developments? As we have done in the past, I believe that Harris Township should appeal to families with varied income levels and respond by providing some housing options suitable for lower and middle-income families. Currently in Harris Township, it is difficult for first-time home buyers to locate an affordable home and homes sell very quickly.
