CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield County Commissioners authorized Planning Director Jodi Brennan Tuesday to move forward with the proper advertising for the county’s consideration of amending its comprehensive plan to include a Housing Needs and Market Assessment.
Brennan said since initiating this project and establishing the Clearfield County Housing Task Force in 2009, the county has wrapped up the assessment in house with guidance from the task force.
According to her, the assessment utilizes statistical data from the 2010 U.S. Census and community surveys to evaluate the county’s housing market as well as its housing needs. In addition, it indicates housing problems in the county, such as a listing of blighted structures.
Brennan said the assessment is a “tool kit” for the county’s municipalities and can help them deal with the issue of blighted structures. She said the county will be providing training for municipal officials in this subject area as well.
She said the assessment found that the county has needs for more affordable rental housing for young adults and seniors. Also, she said that many people and families are “doubling up” and living with others, or going from “couch-to-couch.”
Brennan said the Clearfield County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss its assessment at 7 p.m. during its September meeting. She said the assessment will be brought back to the commissioners for final approval Oct. 23.