Over the past couple of years, I have had the privilege of speaking to thousands in our community. In those conversations, one issue stood out: the urgent need for affordable housing.
I’ve heard heartbreaking stories from families whose children can’t stay in the town where they grew up and business owners struggling to find local employees. Many families have had to move because of rising rents, and it’s deeply concerning.
Our current (2005) comprehensive plan sought solutions to this issue. It contains policies, analyses and recommendations to work toward affordable housing solutions. Today, we continue to face challenges.
Since 2005, we have shuttered a school, we have seen dwindling volunteers for our fire departments, and our local businesses are struggling to find employees.
I am hopeful that we will continue to build on the vision in our 2005 plan for affordable housing in the updated version of our comprehensive plan that we will be voting on very soon. Affordable housing is essential to support our economy and preserve our community’s uniqueness.
State Rep. Cheryl Golek, Vicarage Lane
