Recent developments — such as the University Square plan, the new plan to redevelop Central Park Apartments and resident complaints against Collins Crossing Apartment Homes — highlight the need for affordable housing in Chapel Hill.
The town of Chapel Hill should heighten emphasis on the development and maintenance of affordable housing.
The case of Collins Crossing Apartment Homes highlights one of the issues around affordable housing — renovation of existing facilities can be costly and can result in higher rents.
Property owners have a right to raise rent. But the town should promote affordable housing in order to balance this profit motive.
The issue with the plan to redevelop the University Square demonstrates how the town prioritizes downtown revitalization ahead of affordable housing on its agenda.
This is understandable, but the importance of downtown revitalization should be weighed against the need for affordable housing.
Supporting affordable housing should be balanced in a more careful manner with renovation and downtown revitalization.
Because the town has not acted more forcefully while rents edge higher in many residential areas, some members of the Chapel Hill community are being forced to move away. University employees under financial strain are thus forced to use park and ride — an option that will become more expensive next year.
The town is charged with a lot of responsibility, and balancing opposing forces is difficult. However, the town should push affordable housing higher on its list of priorities.
