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The median price of a home in New Castle County skyrocketed from $130,000 in 2000 to $224,000 in 2006. Also, according to the 2007 New Castle County comprehensive Plan, the median price of a new home constructed in New Castle County is $400,000.

But home ownership for working adults is only part of the housing challenge. According
to the U.S. Census, Delaware’s population is expected to increase by 229,000 people by the year 2030. Over this same time period, the Census projects that the populations of Delawareans over age 65 will more than double. Many of these older individuals will be living with very limited income, and with few housing choices.

In response, Councilman Penrose Hollins introduced the “Workforce Housing Ordinance.” The ordinance, which passed on Feb. 26, was supported by AARP and other advocacy groups and gives developers financial incentives to include affordable housing when building new homes. The incentives take the form of density bonuses. A developer who prices 10 percent of new homes for low-income buyers gets twice the allowable density of a comparable project without affordable pricing. Even a smaller proportion of lower-priced housing qualifies a builder for a density increase, although by a lesser amount.

“Every person who works in New Castle County deserves an opportunity to live in New Castle County,” said Hollins. “I believe county government has a role in making housing opportunities a reality for all its citizens.”  Hollins also expressed gratitude toward AARP for their active role in the process. “I appreciate AARP’s tireless advocacy for the ordinances’ passage.
 
The ordinance, while not a final solution is a step in the right direction toward helping hard working and aging Delawareans achieve home ownership.