f you’re following the Legislature messing with local housing control with House Bill 1110 you should be concerned with the disregard for what local cities, neighborhoods and homeowners want.
The Legislature would like you to believe that increasing density anywhere and thereby increasing housing options will solve high housing costs. This is untrue. Over many years the lot sizes have been reduced and open spaces filled in with more condos, townhomes, apartments, and even building in river flood zones, as in Everett. In spite of this increased housing density, the Legislature thinks more density is the answer in spite of local concerns.
The Legislature wants to force increased density without regard to parking, noise, neighbor concerns and complaints. It wants to remove any local control over this increased density and concerns.
Rents have continued to climb despite more housing. The legislature refused to address the high rent problem this year. Many people have problems making rent and rent increases because they are on fixed incomes, disabled, struggling with mental health and/or physical problems, poor job skills. Large apartment complexes are being built but they lack security, social, employment, disability, health, and education services. If the lLegislature and society want to address the homeless issues then these problems must be addressed comprehensively.
Write or call your local legislator to encourage a much more comprehensive approach to housing that provides services to get people out of poor economic and social situations. In addition solutions should respect the rights of local cities, communities, and neighborhoods. The HOuse decided to not respect these rights and instead think they know better. Tell the Senate to stop this bad behavior and work on a much more reasonable and respectful plan.
Bill Dickinson
Everett
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