The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has released its final draft QAP. The majority of changes consist of scoring differences to greater incentivize particular activities. The following is a summary of changes:
- Communities of Opportunity (COO):
- Family projects in communities of opportunity in Baltimore will be awarded one additional point rather than two
- Four points are awarded to new construction in Baltimore region COOs with 40 years of affordability restriction. Added to that requirement is now also the presence of transportation services
- Choice Neighborhoods: 3 points awarded to projects located within and contributing to a Choice neighborhood.
- Preservation outside COOs: 2 points will be awarded to rehab projects outside of Baltimore region COOs if project agrees to 40 years of affordability restrictions
The Department will conduct the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) mandated public hearing for the 2017 QAP and Guide on Wednesday February 21, 2018 from 6 pm – 8pm in DHCD’s Main Conference Room, 7800 Harkins Road, Lanham, Maryland 20706. Comments or notice of intent to present oral comments at the public hearing should be sent electronically to dhcd.qap@maryland.gov no later than 5:00 pm on Tuesday February 20, 2018.
Following the public hearing and the review of comments received, the Department will prepare the final QAP and Guide. The Department will make the final version available to the public at the same time it is forwarded to the Governor for signature.
The anticipated deadline for the submission of applications for the next Competitive Round will be in May 2018. A firm date will be issued shortly. If you have any questions, please contact Gregory Hare via email at gregory.hare@maryland.gov or call at 301-429-7775.
