Meeting the Challenge of Affordable Housing

The Los Angeles City Council is right on track by asserting that all communities must share in the responsibility to provide low-cost housing, as discussed in your article, “Housing Plan Prompts Fear of Crowding” (Times, Nov. 28). The state requires each local government to meet the housing needs of its residents. According to a survey by the California Coalition for Rural Housing, Los Angeles has provided only about half of the needed affordable housing.

The objections raised by Highland Park, such as the fear of traffic strain and damage to historical areas, crowded schools, etc., are not based on any solid evidence, since plans are not yet finalized and impacts in those areas cannot be measured at this time. What they do reflect, however, is a smoke screen for the irrelevant “not-in-my-backyard” syndrome. It’s time to set aside the myths about the negative impacts of affordable housing and transform those energies into meeting the challenge to provide affordable housing.

CALLIE HUTCHISON

Executive Director; California Homeless and Housing Coalition

Sacramento