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Developer Roger Bright urges subsidies, political leadership to expand affordable housing
Summary
Roger Bright, who led Ferino’s Harvey Place development, told Bluffton’s committee that subsidies, streamlined infrastructure and strong political commitment are essential to create affordable units; he said Ferino would consider similar projects in Bluffton if conditions and financial incentives align.
Roger Bright, director of business development for Ferino, told the Bluffton Affordable Housing Committee on Dec. 5 that subsidy and political leadership are the defining elements of successful affordable‑housing development.
Bright described his experience developing affordable units in Louisville and at Harvey Place, saying the same unit can appraise at roughly $350,000 in the market while affordable units can be priced near $225,000 when subsidies and cost reductions are layered into the deal. "Subsidy is the biggest word in the whole process," he told the committee.
Bright said Ferino reduced costs by leveraging supplier relationships, covering some site and infrastructure costs itself and accepting minimal profit on the Harvey Place project so the homes would be affordable. He said the Housing Trust Fund contributed about $90,000 toward the Habitat deal that produced 10 units and emphasized the need for sites with utilities already in place to avoid expensive off‑site infrastructure.
When asked whether Ferino would work in Bluffton, Bright said the company would "if the situation is right," and urged the town to consider targeted incentives such as fee waivers, density allowances and design variances to keep per‑unit costs down. He also cautioned that local design standards—examples cited included required foundation elevations and exterior materials—can add an estimated $35,000–$40,000 per unit.
Bright recommended meaningful local commitment (free or reduced‑cost land, waived fees or tap‑fee relief) and creative financing (low‑income housing tax credits, trust funds, donated materials) to bridge the affordability gap.
