landwatch logo   Home Issues & Actions About

Archive Page
This page is available as an archive to previous versions of LandWatch websites.

The KUSP Land Use Report #9 :Housing at Fort Ord"

 


This is Gary Patton, Executive Director of LandWatch Monterey County, with a Land Use Report for KUSP.

There is probably no land use policy issue of more importance than the issue of affordable housing, and I am happy to say there is some good news to report. Congress Member Sam Farr has proposed stronger provisions for affordable housing on Fort Ord. His idea is that 50% of all the new housing developed on Fort Ord should be affordable to local workers—persons with average and below average incomes.

The people of Monterey County have inherited great natural treasures, like the Monterey Bay, Big Sur, Elkhorn Slough, and the rich farmlands of the Salinas Valley. As local leaders make the difficult choices necessary to protect these environmental treasures, wouldn’t it be good also to address the needs of the local economy, and concerns of social equity?

Increasing the amount of affordable housing constructed on the former Fort Ord would help meet the critical need for local workforce housing for essential occupations, like teachers, firefighters, and police officers, and for the many lower income persons who provide vital services for the county’s leading industries. Environmental protection, coupled with a positive program for responsible economic development and social equity, seems to meet many community needs.

So far, Congress Member Farr’s suggestion is just an idea. Maybe, as he and others work with the affected local governments, it will be possible to make more affordable housing at Fort Ord a reality, not just a dream.

For KUSP, this is Gary Patton.

[Back to KUSP News Index]

Each week, LandWatch provides a brief Land Use Report on KUSP Radio. Tune in Mondays and Fridays at 7:49 am.

KUSP is at 88.9 FM in General Coverage, 105.9 FM in Big Sur Valley, 91.3 FM in Palo Colorado Canyon, and 91.7 FM in San Ardo

 


LandWatch's mission is to protect Monterey County's future by addressing climate change, community health, and social inequities in housing and infrastructure. By encouraging greater public participation in planning, we connect people to government, address human needs and inspire conservation of natural resources.

 

CONTACT

306 Capitol Street #101
Salinas, CA 93901


PO Box 1876
Salinas, CA 93902-1876


Phone (831) 759-2824


Fax (831) 759-2825

 

NAVIGATION

Home

Issues & Actions

About

Donate