Amherst Affordable Housing Advocacy Coalition (AAHAC)
Answer 1. I fully support the goal 250 new affordable housing units for low-income individuals and families. Further I support that the town adopt and continue to monitor and revise a Comprehensive Housing Plan that reflects the input and ideas of diverse constituencies. Over the past 5 months the plan has improved considerably from the feedback of a broad range of individuals and groups. Inclusion of community voices should be an ongoing part of the document’s growth and development over time. These goals and issues are one of two important matters that made me decide to run for Councilor At Large. The other related matter is the need to improve the Town Council’s practice and process of being inclusive and encouraging the full and meaningful participation of divergent views.
Answer 2. I would support such a use for this parcel of land. In fact, I would encourage more active and aggressive public municipal housing initiatives like this one. Using zoning and regulation to direct development projects of private profit making corporations to help address these housing issues is important but will never be adequate. The work of the Amherst Municipal Affordable Housing Trust (AMAHT) and the Amherst Community Land Trust (ACLT) needs our full support and encouragement. Other entities with a social equity mission need to be created to offer realistic alternatives to the dominant profit making model of land ownership and development.
Answer 3. There is a sad shortage of ideas on how to stop this trend. The west end of Lincoln Ave has gone from largely single family homes to student rentals. When we move to Amherst, only 2 of 13 houses were landlord owned student rental houses. Now 10 of 13 houses are landlord owned student rental houses. These are houses of a diversity of architectural styles, many perhaps of historic value. Ideal homes for families. In the recent past these relatively large buildings were often home owner occupied with an additional rental room or unit. This format is an ideal win – win – win situation; a triple win or more. The owner wins the ability to own a fine home in a family (formerly at least) friendly neighborhood at an affordable cost. The rental room/unit provides the income to pay taxes, mortgage and maintenance costs. The renter wins because the unit is likely to be less expensive than the current market rate. Whether student or elder or other, this can be a quiet, but supportive, non-isolating living environment. The third win is the community. The neighborhood is preserved as a diverse family friendly neighborhood and proportional tax revenue supports our town government. How to implement and promote this idea will require research, creative thinking and the collaborative participation of our community.
Answer 4. Yes, I am in favor of using the American Rescue Plan fund to meet our environmental, sustainability and housing goals. I recall being present at a discussion of this matter at a previous Amherst Affordable Housing Advocacy Coalition meeting. Using the money for efficiency retrofit of existing building is certainly one good idea. Before a final decision was made, I would invite other suggestions from a wider group of people. Depending on the amount, it might make sense to use some money on other ideas. Assuming such ideas arise in receiving wide community input, and those ideas lie within the funding guidelines.
Quotes from Amherst’s Comprehensive Housing Policy
We can’t just wait patiently for developers to come forward with ideas that fit our vision for the Town. We have to articulate that vision and then act proactively to see it implemented
The high cost of housing and limited supply is threatening our long-held values of equality, sustainability, and opportunity. This challenge is not only serious for those whose incomes place them on the outside, looking in, but for all residents who are invested in a sustainable, diverse, well-functioning, and progressive community.