A recently passed $5,406 per-unit fee to fund renovations on stairwells at Collins Crossing Apartments is troubling to the unit owners, and by extension, renters, who may not be able to afford it.
The homeowners’ association, which levied the fee, has discussed giving owners 12 months over which to spread out the costs.
The complex should allow its residents an extended period to be able to pay the fee.
Town officials are rightly worried that the fee’s expense might force unit owners to pass down the costs to their low-income renters.
Carrboro Mayor Mark Chilton has expressed concern for the residents who live in Collins Crossing and might not be able to afford shouldering the fee.
But both sides need to recognize that the money for these town-mandated renovations has to come from somewhere. It makes sense that at least of some of the costs will be paid by residents.
Given the fact that Collins Crossing serves largely low-income renters, it’s unlikely that many of the people who rent or own units there can come up with the money all at once.
Forcing residents to come up with even an additional $300 a month — what the fee would be if it was spread out over a year — might be too much to ask.
Chilton has suggested letting residents spread out the cost over two years, at a rate of around $150 per month. This suggestion should be implemented, as it gives residents more time to come up with the fee.
