Call to Action: Public Hearing on County Development Ordinance & Zoning

We invite you to participate in a crucial public hearing regarding the County Development Ordinance (CDO) and zoning policies that will significantly affect our community and the work of Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County. Join us on Tuesday, October 1, at 5:30 p.m. in the Nat U. Hill Room at the County Courthouse. 

Your voice matters, and the most impactful testimonies come from those who have faced challenges in securing safe, decent, and affordable housing. This is your opportunity to share your experiences and advocate for change. 

Why This Hearing Matters:

The proposed CDO will have profound implications for our ability to build affordable housing in Monroe County. It not only affects Habitat for Humanity but also poses challenges for other developers seeking to meet the diverse housing needs of our community. If implemented as is, the CDO could lead to: 

  • Increased housing prices due to restrictions on land use. 
  • A limited supply of affordable housing options. 
  • Constraints on economic development opportunities. 

Zoning and land use policies are vital tools for enhancing the affordable housing supply. Unfortunately, the draft CDO as it currently stands would limit these opportunities and hinder our community’s growth. 

Key Concerns About the CDO: 

The CDO outlines where and how development can occur, but its current form imposes strict zoning rules that could exacerbate our housing crisis: 

  • Large Lot Sizes: Required lot sizes of 2.5 to 5 acres in rural districts increase land costs, driving up housing prices. 
  • Restricted High-Density Housing: Limits on where affordable housing can be built will reduce availability. 
  • Infrastructure Expansion Limits: Restrictions on expanding necessary services like public sewers will hinder the growth of high-density residential developments. 

Without necessary revisions, these rules will contribute to rising costs in both the County and the City, making it increasingly difficult for low-income and middle-income families to remain in our community. 

How You Can Get Involved: 

If you’re passionate about housing issues and want to make a difference, we encourage you to attend the hearing and share your thoughts. Comments will be limited to 3 minutes, so please be concise yet impactful.  

For those unable to attend, written comments can still be submitted to the County Plan Commission here. 

Thank you for taking the time to consider this critical issue. Your participation can help shape a future where all community members have access to safe and affordable housing. Let’s work together to advocate for policies that promote sustainable growth and equitable housing for everyone. 

We hope to see you at the hearing on October 1. Your voice can lead to meaningful change!