Should Habitat for Humanity of the Eastern Panhandle be exempted from paying the Capacity Improvement Fees (CIF) associated with hooking up new homes to public water to the local Public Service District?  That was a question put before an Administrative Law Judge at a hearing on Tuesday.  Executive Director of Habitat Al Means said CIF fees were designed for developers and would be an unfair burden to a non-profit group such as Habitat.  The Berkeley County Public Service District is concerned that if they grant an exemption for one non-profit, many more might come knocking down their doors.  They said they want to remain fair and equitable throughout this process during the hearing.

CIF brings an additional cost of $3,000 per house according to Means, who says there is nothing fair and balanced about charging a non-profit organization extra fees designed for commercial developers.  Habitat is a non-profit organization that provides affordable housing for low-income families by partnering with them to construct full homes and set-up mortgage payments.  Means maintains that the organization is distinctly different than a developer, and therefore should not be subject to CIF or any other impact fees.

The judge will make a ruling on the matter in five weeks.

Categories: Local News
Tags: Affordable Housing, Eastern Panhandle, Habitat for Humanity, Impact Fees, Means