NOC Chair, Dr. Narendra P. Sharma’s statement on issues relating to affordable housing in Hilton Head Island and Beaufort was read at a stakeholders meeting organized by the NBSC (National Bank of South Carolina) on Wednesday, February 15, 2017. Dr. Sharma’s statement emphasized the seriousness of this issue affecting low-wage workers and families locally. He pointed out that lack of affordable housing, especially for low-wage workers, will, over time, increase wage costs, add to labor scarcity locally, and undermine investments. He said that there is a role for the Town and local businesses to play in finding innovative solutions to tackle this important issue.
Thomas Henz made the following remark: “Please thank Dr. Sharma on behalf of the entire board and staff and our guests Wednesday for his statement on affordable housing. Highlighting the extent and consequences of our severe local affordable housing shortage was quite thought-provoking. Perhaps we had a sufficient mix of key stakeholders at our meeting to help move this issue forward toward developing solutions.”
