Issues: Past Position Statement 2

Commissioners Forum: LWV & DLN

Question 5 • Affordable Housing

Do you believe there is a lack of affordable housing in the county, and what will you do as commissioner to encourage the construction of such housing in the coming four years?

Chester County, because it is a desirable place in which to live, has an ample share of McMansions and even traditional mansions. That same desirability creates market forces that work to discourage many kinds of affordable housing. Affordable rentals, public housing and homeless shelters are available, although they need more support. Nonprofit programs help low-income families own homes. However, the lack of affordable housing for those who, a generation ago, were able to purchase their own homes has received greatest public and media attention. These are entry-level employees, support employees, young families, "starter" home-seekers and those whose life situations have abruptly changed such as the recently divorced. They are the younger generation who want to remain where they grew up. Home ownership for them is no longer available now that 100-year-old half-twins in some of our communities sell for $300,000 or more. It has been said that a family income of $80,000 does not allow for home ownership in Chester County.

The housing industry is fixed on devouring our open space to erect endlessly more costly homes. Affordable housing is not going to occur on the prime land of a converted cornfield where developers can earn the most profit. Even high-density residences on such tracts are unaffordable to those about whom we are concerned. That is why my running mate, Kathi Cozzone, and I emphasize smart growth in urban centers as the only way to obtain more affordable housing. There have been attempts to develop affordable housing outside urban centers, however the rapid increase in value of those units makes them only temporarily affordable. Only by adding a significant amount of affordable housing in urban centers will the supply come into balance with the demand. Getting to that point is a tremendous challenge, especially when considering that high-end housing must also be increased in our urban centers if overall smart growth is to occur and open space is to be preserved.

Of the 26 appointed members of the 1996 committee that wrote Landscapes, Chester County's comprehensive growth plan, none were elected officials from urban centers. County leadership's interest in urban centers remains inadequate. Kathi and I intend to do all that we can to promote meaningful multi-municipal urban center planning that includes planning for affordable housing. Grants and other incentives will be utilized.

Chester County needs leaders that do more than brag about our AAA bond rating, for which they do not deserve credit. Kathi and I will make affordable housing in Chester County happen.