Editor, Gazette-Journal:
Affordable Housing has become the mantra of the Democrats and indeed, the influx of many thousands of illegals has led to a housing shortage, as have high interest rates, the added construction costs (23%) required by regulations, and the increased cost of materials. Although the idea of bountiful affordable housing seems wonderful, the Democrat approach warrants a closer look.
In 2015, the Obama Administration instituted the Affirmatively Furthering Affordable Housing Act which promoted “high-density/low-income” development. Any grants for HUD funding—including in rural communities like ours—required rezoning actions to allow multifamily structures to be built in suburbs with existing single-family zoning.
The Trump Administration rescinded that act and replaced it with the Preserving Communities and Neighborhood Choice rule which allowed suburban areas to retain their zoning for green spaces.
In July 2021, the Biden Administration cancelled the Trump rule and...