We envision a world powered by 100% clean energy and strive to install solar on every project we develop. We have three main focus areas:
DECENTRALIZED SECTION 8 HOUSING
Most Section 8 and other types of voucher-based housing is only offered in large project-style housing complexes. If properly administered and managed, this can be an effective way to provide affordable housing. However, all too often the ‘projects’ can fail to provide safe and dignified housing for residents.
Sunny Side Development believes there is a place for project-based housing, but that Section 8 families should have options in where they live. Therefore, we would like to offer more single family or small multi-family properties housing options for voucher tenants, spread throughout the community.
COOPERATIVE LIVING
Much of humanity’s historical success can be credited to our ability to work in groups and share collective wisdom. The same benefits can be achieved in housing if designed in a cooperative manner. Non-equity housing co-ops are intentional communities where members live together under one roof with shared common spaces and private bedrooms. Members do not own equity in the property themselves, rather they are controlling members of a legal cooperative, which owns the real estate in perpetuity. This is an excellent way to offer affordable, sustainable housing for the following reasons:
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Member-owners have the flexibility to come and go as easily as rent-paying tenants but enjoy the cost-savings benefits of owners.
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Shared resources inherently reduce expenses and environmental impact.
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Cooperative governance empowers member-owners to make decisions normally reserved for landlords.
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Shared labor reduces the time/energy of the individual.
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Member-owners are better equipped to handle crisis situations by relying on one another.
EFFICIENT USE OF LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDITS
The primary vehicle the federal government has used to address affordable housing is the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTCs). Established in 1986, this public/private program has created millions of affordable dwelling units and has largely enjoyed bipartisan support for over three decades. However, LIHTCs are not without their drawbacks. In 2017, PBS Frontline took an in-depth look at this program and uncovered rampant abuse by some participants. In addition, there are a few unintended consequences of the program.
Often large sums of money are spent to ensure that a property will remain ‘risk-free’ over the 15-year compliance period. This often means replacing building components that may still have many years of useful life. Sunny Side Development would like to find better ways to spend valuable tax-payer money. Rather than replacing a roof that is only two-years old, the same resources could be spent on energy efficiency, which would put money into tenant’s pockets; or playground equipment, which would improve a tenant’s quality of life.