public policy Montgomery County GCAAR Leadership Meets with Members of the County Council Members of GCAAR’s Board of Directors and Public Policy Committee headed to the Montgomery County Council in February and March to address key REALTOR® issues. Attendees held in-depth meetings with Councilmembers, including Council President George Leventhal, focusing on the Association’s legislative priorities: • Affordable housing • Voluntary incentives for energy improvements • Transportation infrastructure • Lowering recordation and transfer taxes • Unintended consequences of rent control proposals Councilmembers and staff were extremely receptive and are eager to continue working with GCAAR throughout the year.
GCAAR Supports “Design for Life” Developments GCAAR recently supported a zoning amendment allowing increased density in townhome communities which include Design for Life features to make access easier for residents with disabilities. The goal is to expand housing options for homebuyers with mobility impairments, and allow those who might develop impairments to stay in their homes. GCAAR supports Design for Life tax credits for builders and homeowners to include accessibility features in new and existing residential housing, and agrees with the Council that additional incentives are needed. The new legislation is expected to pass and GCAAR will continue working to move Design for Life initiatives forward.
Common Ownership Community Legislation Passes with GCAAR Recommendations The County Council recently passed two Bills to improve the operation of Common Ownership Communities (COCs), which include homeowner associations, condos, and co-ops.
GCAAR Public Policy Chair Dick Stoner (left) and GCAAR Board member Pat Weed (right) meet with Councilmember Hans Riemer.
The first bill will require owners of COC units to certify that COC fees have been paid before receiving a rental housing license. COC funds are used to maintain common areas, so unpaid fees result in a loss of property value for all owners. GCAAR worked to improve this legislation, and is pleased it passed with an amendment limiting COC fees to $25. The Bill also allows associations to prove non-payment of fees with a recorded statement of lien. The second bill, which Treasurer Tim Knobloch testified in support of, will provide additional education to members of a COC Board. The Council accepted GCAAR’s suggestions and will make the course available online and affordable.
Dick Stoner and GCAAR Immediate Past President Greg Ford discuss transportation with Councilmember Nancy Floreen.
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® ® • May/Jun 2014 CAPITAL AREA REALTOR CAPITAL AREA REALTOR • March/April 2015