Mr. Thomas P. Carbo, Deputy Director
Department of Housing and Community Development
6751 Columbia Gateway Drive
Columbia, MD 21046

Dear Mr. Carbo,

The League of Women Voters of Howard County appreciated receiving the July 5, 2007 Proposed Amendment to the Moderate Income Housing Unit Program rules proposed by the Department of Housing and Community Development. However, there was no explanation or rational given for the proposed changes and why they are needed.

The League has reviewed the proposed changes to Section 13.400.

04.D.2.(a) Priorities for Purchasers: General Waiting List.
Changes the lowest qualifying income from 60% of the median income to 70% of the median income. The League supports the 70% of median income for an applicant to receive a priority point. The League believes this will qualify more applicants for this priority point.

04.F.1.(b) (c) Determination of Eligibility to Purchase.
The number of applicants selected is changed from three times to four times the number of moderate income housing units offered for sale. The League supports this change because we believe this enlarges the pool of applicants and will increase the chances of a successful selection.

04.F.1.(d) Determination of Eligibility to Purchase.
This is completely new language. The section requires the Department of Housing to review an applicants credit service rating. Authority is given to the Department of Housing to remove the applicant from the pool and return them to the waiting list after the applicant has been notified if their credit service rating is less than the minimum threshold credit rating required by major Howard County mortgage lenders.

The League supports this provision.

Thank you for your consideration.

Grace Kubofcik
Co-president