TESTIMONY BEFORE THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY COUNCIL

BILL 7-07 – SALE OF RENTAL HOUSING – RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL

June 12, 2007

 

Good afternoon.  I am Melpi Jeffries, Chair of the Housing Committee of the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County, MD (LWVMC).  Housing issues have been a focus of LWVMC research, study, discussion and consensus leading to position statements since the early sixties.  LWVMC strongly supports comprehensive efforts by Montgomery County to maintain and increase the supply of affordable housing including the preservation of existing communities.  We commend you for including $30 million for the Montgomery Housing Initiative Fund to acquire and rehabilitate affordable housing in the FY 08 Operating Budget.

 

LWVMC supports Bill 7-07 which will require the owner of rental housing that consists of at least 4 units and was built before February 5, 1981 to give the County, the Housing Opportunities Commission, and any tenant organization the right to buy the rental housing before it is sold to another person.  Approximately 25,200 multifamily units, representing around 37% of all multifamily rental units in Montgomery County, would be subject to the right of first refusal if Bill 7 – 07 is enacted.  As the county approaches build out and the creation of affordable housing becomes more difficult, the preservation of existing affordable housing becomes of paramount importance.  Montgomery County cannot continue to loose affordable housing at the current rate.

 

LWVMC urges enactment of Bill 7-07, an important tool for the County’s efforts to ensure the availability of affordable housing in Montgomery County.

 

Thank you for your attention.