Affordable Housing in Broadwater County
Author: J.B. Howick, Townsend Business Owner
Affordable Housing in Broadwater County
J.B. Howick, Townsend Business Owner
During the working sessions held March 8-9 of the second phase of the MEDA/BCDC Community Review, a group was formed to address practical, affordable, and approachable housing in Broadwater County. Over the next month, we will be gathering information about local housing authorities, community land trusts, growth and capital investment plans, and subdivision ordinances to better understand the legal options for organizing and addressing housing issues.
We will also be investigating both employer and senior needs, which will help identify the types and quantities of housing the county needs and where. We have needs throughout the county and the various communities will, in turn, be approached to learn more about how they want to participate. We will also be conducting a review of existing housing that can be used to begin this process.
We believe the key to our success will be the successful implementation of a community land trust. Simply, a non-profit organization closely tied to both city and county governments that acquire and holds the property, allowing houses to be rented and sold at a considerably lower cost. It is true that in a free market it is impossible to lower general housing prices without substantial economic consequences — but we can address the needs of specific market segments to help everyone from temporary emergency service and regular wage-earning employees to the changing needs of our senior citizens and more.
We believe communication is the key to our success and we will periodically host public meetings to keep people informed about our activities. Additionally, we invite all interested parties to join our email group, whether you wish to help us with this project or simply wish to stay informed of our progress. You can unsubscribe at any time. Contact JB Howick at KeithJR@Howick.org to join.
