Local nonprofit seeks county support for workforce housing application; asks county to consider commitment

Dave Wetmore, vice chairman of Coastal Community Development Corporation, and board members described a plan to develop workforce rental housing in Laurel Bay using the South Carolina Housing Trust Fund small‑rental development application route. Wetmore and Chairman Alan Wolf said CCDC has raised local private capital and philanthropic support and seeks county assistance in the form of a local funding commitment to improve its competitiveness for the state program.

CCDC requested a local commitment that serves as the required local match in the state application (typically 10 percent of development cost) and said the state application deadline was imminent. The nonprofit asked the committee to forward a recommendation to county council so the county’s support could be included as the application is submitted. Board leaders emphasized that the organization’s model relies on blended financing (private investment, donated capital and program financing) and that a favorable state award would allow construction of about 39 units in the initial phase, with another 20 units possible later.

Committee members asked process questions and noted the state trust fund had rescinded some earmarked funds at the state level earlier that month. Claude Hicks (Beaufort‑Jasper Housing Trust Fund liaison) said the trust would review the application and provide a due‑diligence recommendation to council. A motion to send the item to county council for consideration passed after one member recorded an objection.