03.27.12 Howard County Accepting Applications for Moderate Income Housing Unit Program
March 27, 2012
Media Contacts: Kevin Enright, Director, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022
Tom Carbo, Director, Howard County Housing, 410-313-6318
Two free MIHU informational workshops scheduled for April 14 and 18
Howard County Accepting Applications for Moderate Income Housing Unit Program
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Housing will begin accepting applications for the April enrollment period for the County’s Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program on Monday, April 2. The open enrollment period will end Monday, April 30.
The MIHU program is an inclusionary zoning program that requires developers of new housing in certain zoning districts to sell or rent a percentage of the new dwelling units to households of moderate income. The program offers quality new homes at reduced sale prices and rents to income eligible families.
As part of the MIHU program, Housing will hold two “MIHU Buyers and Renters Workshops.” The first workshop will be held during the “Come Home to Howard County” Housing Fair on Saturday, April 14 at 11:30 a.m. at Long Reach High School, 6101 Old Dobbin Lane in Columbia. Housing will hold a second workshop on Wednesday, April 18 at 6 p.m. in the Gateway Building, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia. The workshops are open to the public and will explain the program’s eligibility requirements and application process for prospective homebuyers and renters. For more information or to register for a workshop, contact Housing’s MIHU Coordinator at 410-313-6497.
To purchase a MIHU home and be placed on a waiting list, individuals must apply to Howard County Housing during an open enrollment period. The applicant’s household income may not exceed 80% of Howard County’s median income which, as of January 1, 2012, is $101,771 for a family of four. Applicants must also meet minimum credit score requirements and their household income must be sufficient to qualify for a home mortgage based on industry standards. Base sale prices for MIHUs can range from $129,000 for a condominium to $251,000 for a townhome. Actual sale prices vary depending on the size and amenities of the unit. If you were not eligible in the past because of household income, Howard County Housing encourages you to check current eligibility limits.
Available MIHU homes for ownership opportunities are at Overlook at Blue Stream, Riverwalk and Cherry Tree Park. Overlook at Blue Stream in Elkridge will feature townhomes with three bedrooms, two and a half baths and a one car garage. Riverwalk in Laurel will also offer townhomes with three bedrooms, two and a half baths and a two-car garage. Cherry Tree Park, a 55+ active adult community centrally located off Route 216 in Laurel, features condos with two bedrooms and two baths.
To rent an MIHU unit, an applicant’s household income may not exceed 60% of the Howard County median income. MIHUs are rented on a first-come, first-serve basis, with rents ranging from $1,145 to $1,771, including utilities. MIHUs are interspersed throughout each community and residents enjoy all of the amenities of the community life. Alta at Regency Crest, Ashbury Courts, Belmont Station, Mission Place and Penniman Park are currently accepting MIHU rental applications. Prospective renters may apply directly to a participating rental community at any time during the year.
Open enrollment periods for the MIHU purchase program are held quarterly. Interested persons should visit the Housing’s MIHU website at www.howardcountymd.gov/housingmihu.htm or call Howard County Housing at 410-313-6318.