Hamilton In Need Of More Affordable

 

The Business Courier of Cincinnati (6/23, May) states that a report by Cincinnati Affordable Housing Advocates says "Hamilton County faces an affordable housing crisis, with thousands of people spending far more on housing than they can reasonably afford." The report notes, "Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority public housing is at full occupancy with waiting lists for most of its housing," and the "waiting list for Housing Choice Vouchers, or Section 8, has been closed since 2007. When it was last open for two days, more than 14,000 families sought applications."

 The County's foreclosure rate climbed by more than 200% during 2004-2008, with over 14,000 homes lost to foreclosure. Affordable housing advocate Elizabeth Brown says, "We have a real problem." Brown added that "communities must think about affordability as they look to reinvent themselves with new development and the rehabilitation of buildings." (Note: Middletown has a great supply of affordable housing that will take us well into the future.)

Hey Middletown Section 8 supporters/landlords! Didja hear that! 14,000 families for potential vouchers! Better get on the phone to HUD and have 'em added to our "healthy stock" of Section 8. More money for the city and you don't have to work at creating jobs for revenue! A win-win for you.

I also thought that a contractor was looking into building new apartments or condos on the empty block south of Trinity Place. If federal funds are used it would also need to have low income units included.