To the editor:
I strongly support developing this unique property for affordable housing, including the elements that all three proposals incorporate: respect for the environmental assets, community access and community involvement in the planning process.
I believe developing this property for affordable housing is responsible development – that it meets the triple bottom line standard of sustainable or socially responsible investment.
• Environmental: It has access to city water and sewer service, is close to schools and downtown services. All three of the development proposals have committed to preserving the pond and older trees on the site.
• Social: We need housing that is affordable for teachers, firefighters, police officers and others who work here but live off-island because of the lack of affordable housing.
• Economic: It returns funds to the city which can be used for other municipal projects, such as improving roads or city infrastructure.
As a social worker and relatively fortunate human being, I am deeply committed to sharing our relative good fortune with others less fortunate. The Suzuki property, with the commitments from the developers, offers an opportunity for less wealthy citizens to live in a “natural” environment in a very environmentally responsible way (because of its access to city sewer and water and services).
Those who state that they are “for affordable housing but just somewhere else” seem to ignore the fact that the need for affordable housing is urgent and this opportunity is unique in that three well qualified local teams are interested in developing this needed segment of housing now. It is the only property where the city council can impose environmental, growth and affordability standards as a condition of sale.
I do hope those in opposition will look again at the proposals, and take the council and the teams up on their offers to work with the community in a way that demonstrates we don’t have to be stuck in a win/lose or lose/lose impasse.
GLORIA SAYLER
Bainbridge Island
