Editor, Gazette-Journal:
Affordable Housing has become the mantra of the Democrats and indeed, the influx of many thousands of illegals has led to a housing shortage, as have high interest rates, the added construction costs (23%) required by regulations, and the increased cost of materials. Although the idea of bountiful affordable housing seems wonderful, the Democrat approach warrants a closer look.
In 2015, the Obama Administration instituted the Affirmatively Furthering Affordable Housing Act which promoted “high-density/low-income” development. Any grants for HUD funding—including in rural communities like ours—required rezoning actions to allow multifamily structures to be built in suburbs with existing single-family zoning.
The Trump Administration rescinded that act and replaced it with the Preserving Communities and Neighborhood Choice rule which allowed suburban areas to retain their zoning for green spaces.
In July 2021, the Biden Administration cancelled the Trump rule and reinstated the Obama requirements. And this is what the Harris/Walz Administration is pushing. At the DNC Convention, Kamala Harris promised to build 3 million housing units.
Government-funded solutions with cumbersome DEI requirements and red tape seldom work. One need only drive into Richmond from the east on I-64 to see acre upon acre of cheaply constructed developments full of small apartments along the interstate. People are crowded into these shoddy structures with no pride of ownership and no healthy green space. The average American who wants a lawn and garden and plenty of space for children to run and play will no longer have that choice as high-density/low-income housing is put in their backyard.
Trump, a builder all his life, also addressed the housing shortage, presenting common-sense solutions. First, remove illegal occupants from existing housing. Then cut excessive regulations and reduce costs of materials and construction by lowering energy cost with fossil fuels, thereby making the American dream of home ownership accessible once again.
Rosemary Smith
Moon, Va.