The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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May 14, 2007

Affordable housing does not mean government subsidized

We are a bit mystified by the opposition to a plan to build a complex of affordable housing apartments on the southeast side of Enid.

For years, people have complained the East Park neighborhood has been left behind by city officials who have done nothing to build it up. Now, there is a project on the table that will do just that. It will provide affordable housing and increase property values.

Still, there is opposition.

There seem to be several reasons for the opposition.

One, some residents say they were not notified ahead of time the project was being considered. They feel the project is being forced on them.

Secondly, residents in the area asked that three at-large positions on the Tax Increment Finance Review Committee studying the project be given to East Park residents. Only one position was.

The biggest problem seems to be residents’ concerns about higher taxes and “undesirable” people moving into the area.

We have to believe some of the opposition to the project is because people don’t fully understand what the project is.

The apartment complex is not government-subsidized housing. It’s “affordable” housing. There is a difference.

Renters would need to have incomes of between $20,000 and $33,000 annually. Renters would pay $325 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and $425 per month for a two-bedroom apartment.

Also, applicants will be screened, and people with felony convictions will not qualify to rent an apartment in the complex.

The apartment complex would be similar to Pheasant Run Apartment Homes, 6102 W. Chestnut, which opened in 2001.

The city needs to continue to talk with East Park area leaders to explain the project. They must explain the project and make sure neighborhood residents understand fear and bias will only continue to exclude this area of town from the progress.

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