Commissioners: Think things through on affordability

I recently read the article on creating around 200 new homes in the Starnes Cove area that are supposed to be affordable for a regular worker making around 35K [“Buncombe Commissioners: Not Tonight,” Oct. 15]. I think it’s a wonderful idea to have affordable housing, but have they taken into consideration what kind of impact popping up 200 more houses is going to cause on the environment?

The people of Asheville scream and cry and they all try so hard to keep this city green, but it seems like Council/commission members and lead officers aren’t hearing their pleas. Have the commissioners considered EarthShip homes that are made from recycled goods, use solar power and are still reasonably affordable? With the economy in that area, too, even my own place of business is going under. Will there be enough employment for those new homeowners to be able to keep their payments up to date?

I think the commissioners really need to think things through about affordable and still energy-efficient housing. Even someone who works at a fast-food place can pay their house payments if they get free electricity from the sun.

— Cheri Blutreich
Asheville

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Webmaster
Mountain Xpress Webmaster Follow me @MXWebTeam

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.