Council Hears From Developers
At yesterday’s work session the Florence City Council heard from two representatives of companies that provide housing and housing assistance for low income families. Clayton Crowder represented Northwest Housing Alternatives that is currently overseeing the property known as Shore Pines on Highway 101 that has just begun filling apartments. The other representative was Matt Salazar with Homes for Good that own the piece of property just south of the Florence Events Center on Quince Street. Salazar laid out the voucher program for the city council and how individuals and families qualify for housing, particularly in Florence that served 88 families last year in the community.
Salazar said a significant number of families that needed help were in poverty.
“The Average household income for folks who had vouchers in Florence was $12,858, which is about 30 of the area median income.”
Families that qualified for housing assistance were required to pay 30% of that income to housing while the voucher covered the rest. Clayton Crowder said the voucher program for the Shore Pines facility is attached to the units themselves where the Homes for Good vouchers can be used for any home that a person can procure. The undeveloped Quince Street property owned by Homes for Good is currently looking for funding to begin that project. Following the work session the council visited the Shore Pines facility.
High Surf Advisory
Mother nature is not being kind to the Oregon Coast this weekend. A powerful storm off the coast is bringing high surf and dangerous sneaker waves to the shoreline today through late Saturday evening. The sound of the waves can be heard throughout the city as surf with potential breakers of up to 20 are predicted. the National Weather Service is warning that surfing, swimming, fishing and boating can be extremely hazardous and can come with no warning. Rip currents, sneaker waves and high surf can cause beach erosion and contain deadly debris. They advise that visitors stay far away from the water.
Grants for Cities and Counties
Information provided by the Oregon Parks and recreation department says the Local Government Grant Program has upped it available finances for Local Governments, such as Florence to receive part of a $30 million dollar fund, more that twice what was available last year. The monies can be used for things like playground equipment, restrooms and bike paths to name just a few. Grant funds are available to cities, counties, park and recreation districts and Port districts.
Monday Council Meeting
The Florence City Council will meet on Monday. The council will consider the purchase of a new street sweeper that will cost approximately $425,000. They will also hear a request for a change of ownership liquor license for the Bridgeport Market located at 75 Harbor Street suite 100.
