The Fannin County Sheriff’s Office has two new deputies ready to start work, but they can’t because they can’t find a place to live.
The school system couldn’t hire a speech pathologist because the applicants couldn’t find housing in Fannin County. The system has seen teachers leave because the cost of housing has become too expensive.
Stories just like these are heard every day among local employers; they need people to work, people want to come here, but the cost of housing – if they can find housing at all – is too high.
One county leader is addressing the problem as “workforce housing,” housing affordable enough that someone working a full time, good paying job in Fannin County can afford.
Erick Youngberg, executive director of the Economic Development Authority, met with county and Blue Ridge officials, as well as interested members of the community, last Friday to discuss his work with one developer. This was the second such meeting on the opportunity in less than a month.
Deluxeton Homes is looking at building a 51-unit, townhome development just outside of Blue Ridge off Highway 515. This would be the first phase of a larger project, with the second phase to come later if the first proves successful.
Price points and apartment sizes were discussed at a previous meeting, but those have changed as negotiations have progressed.
Youngberg and the developer are now negotiating on how at least some of the units can fall under a “workforce” opportunity for those individuals wanting to work in the public safety and education positions county leaders are struggling to fill.
One question raised by Commission Chairman Jamie Hensley was the fear this developer would build the project, sell it, and workforce housing would disappear.
Youngberg responded, “These need to be for our citizens and not for flippers.”
Hensley also said the county wants to stay away from high density, built up development. “We don’t want that,” he said.
Youngberg assured the gathering, “They’re (Deluxeton Homes) changing their plans to help us.” He referred to the problem in Fannin as an issue being seen nationwide and is common all along the Highway 515 corridor leading out of Atlanta. Working with the county to solve the challenge, or at least work to see if some type help is possible, is a step being taking by the developer to see if a similar solution could be used in other areas.
Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Major Keith Bosen reminded everyone of the need for a successful workforce housing plan. He talked of speaking with several of the young sheriff’s office employees and the housing challenges they face. “Right now there is nothing for them,” he said, and encouraged Youngberg to move ahead with the negotiations.
“It’s a scary opportunity, but it’s an opportunity,” Hensley said.
Everyone agreed they would like to see some of the units guaranteed to meet the needs of the county’s workforce.
“I’ve got my work cut out for me,” Youngberg said, speaking of the needs and wants of the community being matched with the business needs of the developer.
The next step will be for Youngberg to meet with county land development officials as he encourages the developer to move forward.