Note: I had posted this on next-door roughly 2 weeks ago before I even started this Blog
It’s actually one of my favorite things I’ve written.
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Given the current controversy over the Interfaith Sanctuary proposed move to State Street, the conversation has been about why it wouldn’t be a good fit for a residential neighborhood.
It occurred to me that a better question would be what would be a good fit for the area and property.
I would like to propose that the old Salvation Army site be converted into affordable housing.
This section of State Street has suffered from blight for a while. But from all my research, affordable housing can often spur development.
Those of us who live in Collister and Veterans Park know how great the area is. Especially for families. We have great access to the Greenbelt, the foothills, great schools, and bus transportation.
Affordable apartments and housing either for sale or rent in that area might be what we need to finally get the ball rolling.
Given the reservations with bringing a large number of homeless to a residential neighborhood, there is a unique opportunity to get community buy in.
Most affordable housing projects meet resistance.
Im fairly confident that the neighborhood would welcome the development.
Instead of an emergency shelter which puts a Band-Aid on homelessness, building affordable housing will actually prevent it.
Instead of treating the symptoms, we can help offer a cure.
Please let me know if this is something he would support, I am thinking about starting an advocacy group. Reaching out to the city and other non-profits.