Open Forum

By Mike Harton
President, RGAC

September 26’s Richmond Times-Dispatch “Public Square” forum on affordable housing draw a packed house for a passion-packed hour-and-a-half. Who represented Chesterfield County at the meeting? With the exception of Tom Jacobson, Director of Revitalization and Community Development, I saw no county officials present—no commissioners, no supervisors, no other staff members. Proof that affordable housing is not on their radar screen?

Who represented Chesterfield at the forum? Scores of hands went up when Tom Silvestri asked who was present from Chesterfield. Our county was well represented by our citizens, many of whom spoke informatively and passionately about the subject. In addition to remarks by RGA member Shelly Schuetz (who drew enthusiastic applause) I called attention to the fact that, despite our county officials’ assertions that there is plenty of affordable housing, there is no affordable new construction. Even for our public servants—firemen, police, teachers, service workers—there is little available, and as Jacobson pointed out, what is available is older housing lacking in quality of life amenities such as parks, sidewalks, etc.

In the past developers provided a wide price range in new construction, Woodlake being a prime example.

Under any circumstances we cannot simply assert that there is ample affordable housing available today. We should be planning for the future, including planning for an increasingly diverse population. For example, what useable housing will be available to a growing aging population?

A two-year old Virginia Tech study asserts that demand is projected to grow by the thousands, will supply is not increasing.

Municipalities can address the issue in their comprehensive plans if they have the courage (of course, first it has to hit their radar). For example, why couldn’t cluster homes include a certain percentage of affordable units? This might be done by eliminating some interior “luxury amenities” while maintaining a uniform exterior. But there should be incentives, whether in the form of tax credits, interest free loans of by other means, and whether it is for new construction, redevelopment or for encouraging investors to set aside some properties for section 8 housing.

A news release from HUD reports that Chesterfield received over $2,000,000 in grants to address the affordable housing issue. Has anyone seen a report of how those funds have been used?

There are solutions if we have the will to find and create them. To be fair, citizens have to work with the county and with developers to educate and influence our NIMBY neighbors.