Readers had a lot to say in 2022 about a host of local issues — from our region’s growth and development to the environment, homelessness and more.
Tag: Affordable housing
Showing 22-42 of 333 results
Can Asheville draw on the past to build its future?
“Today, Asheville’s a tourist destination fueled by wealth-take-all capitalism beset with growing urban issues such as parking, pollution, land use, development, affordable housing, crime and allocation of tax revenues. Yet are all these intractable problems with only temporary solutions? Not really.”
Letter: No more bonds, please!
“In this economy, it takes a lot of nerve to even mention increasing taxes.”
Vote against the bonds and hold our leaders accountable
“Our wealthiest households are not paying their fair share now, and these bonds will simply add to the inequity, asking disproportionately assessed lower-income households to continue to shoulder more than their fair share of the burden.”
Bonds will tackle housing and climate change crises
“Our community faces two mounting crises that we must address in concert — housing affordability and climate change. We can do this by providing a wider range of housing options in and around Asheville and our other municipalities, while not contributing to sprawling development patterns that clear forested land, feed gridlock and increase auto emissions.”
Letter: Bond issues will save money in long run
“Together, land conservation and affordable housing lessen the need for expensive new road infrastructure in the more rural areas of Buncombe.”
Letter: Why I support the affordable housing bond referendum
“By structuring most of the affordable apartments to leverage housing tax credits, our community investment of $40 million will likely leverage around $80 million in additional funds for Buncombe County.”
Letter: Buncombe needs both affordable housing and open space
“I see a strong relationship between affordable housing and open space because families who live in affordable housing need nearby and carefully designed open spaces.”
Letter: Vote for land conservation, greenways and affordable housing
“Can we build affordable housing while we protect our rural communities? We can and should find ways to pursue both of these endeavors.”
2022 General Voter Guide: Buncombe County bond referendums
In November’s general election, Buncombe County citizens will vote on two bond referendums that could together authorize up to $70 million in county borrowing for open space conservation and affordable housing projects.
Letter: Important bonds depend on your vote
“Please vote ‘Yes’ for the housing bond, which will support affordable homes for people serving our community.”
Letter: Berthiaume is a dedicated problem solver
“City Council candidate Maggie Ullman Berthiaume realizes that housing stability is the foundation for everything else in our daily lives.”
Dogwood to contribute $1.6M grant for city affordable housing
If approved, the grant would bolster two American Rescue Plan Act grants previously approved by Council earlier this year.
Letter: Let’s vote ‘yes’ on Buncombe bonds
“Thanks to our representative Terri Wells’ leadership, we can make our voices heard on the matters of land conservation and affordable housing.”
Letter: Affordable housing bond is beyond optimistic
“Using very simple math, you can see how unrealistic these goals are!”
Letter: Yes on bond referendums
“We do have to stay vigilant as the money is distributed.”
Council subsidies could bring more than 100 affordable units to Asheville
Asheville City Council unanimously approved two different approaches to support developments aimed at increasing affordable housing.
$70M for land conservation, affordable housing up to Buncombe voters
This November, Buncombe County voters will determine if the county pursues up to $70 million in bonds. If approved, $30 million would go toward land conservation and greenways, while $40 million would fund up to 3,100 affordable housing units.
Nonprofits strive to meet affordable housing demand
Three projects proposed by outside nonprofit developers, either recently approved by Asheville City Council or currently being considered, offer 100% affordable housing targeted for older residents. Together, the three will add over 200 affordable units to the city’s stock.
Asheville open space updates approved
The updates, which have been controversial, are meant to encourage the construction of affordable housing by reducing and simplifying building regulations and incentivizing stormwater management.
Letter: Good citizens can house homeless, too
“If you can, consider creating a studio apartment. If you can only spare $10 dollars a month, donate to Habitat, Homeward Bound, Helpmate or another charity. One person can make a difference.”