Say yes to affordable homes in Monmouth County

 

 

Monmouth County has a terrible shortage of homes that are safe, decent and affordable for regular people: entry-level police and firefighters, nurses and teachers, plus our own children and parents.

I am a member of a local church advocacy group (New Creations in Christ), with more than 20 member churches. We wish to counter fears and negativity, with a loud “yes” to affordable homes.

That is why it is hard to believe that many in Middletown and Lincroft are opposed to the development of 342 homes on the Avaya site, including about 70 affordable rental apartments.

Red flags are being waved and alarm bells are being rung, but there is no crisis here. Research and experience have shown that providing affordable homes does not cause disaster, but rather it allows healthy diversity and a stronger economy.

A number of nonprofit groups, such as Habitat for Humanity, work hard to build affordable, owner-occupied homes, but they are only able to put up a half dozen or so a year in our area. Plus, each municipality is required to provide a reasonable number. For us to turn down 70 safe, decent, affordable new homes would be foolish.

As housing gets tighter, we will find our safety professionals, teachers, veterans and others unable to afford to live in our communities. Let’s wake up and say, “Yes, in our backyard.”

The Rev. Rusty Eidmann-Hicks

COLTS NECK