EDITOR: I
’ve been extremely disappointed to read the spate of letters
from the neighbors voicing their opposition (again) to the proposed
teacher housing off Watsonville Road.
EDITOR:
I’ve been extremely disappointed to read the spate of letters from the neighbors voicing their opposition (again) to the proposed teacher housing off Watsonville Road. Assertions that the design is poorly planned invalidate the scores of hours of work the reputable affordable housing developer has spent working with the city and the neighborhood, and discounts its long history of remarkable quality and success.
In addition, the claims of the previous letter writers that they have the teachers’ quality of life as their motivating interest are merely a tactical shift from their earlier assertions that their own quality of life will be negatively impacted.
Yes, this project is denser than the surrounding neighborhood. This was suggested by the City Council, in order to keep the project affordable. Smaller houses and lots don’t mean quality of life will decrease. Not everyone needs to live in behemoth houses with lots like the rest of the neighborhood in order to appreciate their lives.
I urge the City Council to look past these arguments used to mask this unmistakable NIMBY-ism, continue its record of creating and providing affordable housing options to its citizens whenever possible, and approve this project when it comes before the council. We need this project in this city, especially during this downturn in which housing prices have not come down to acceptable, affordable levels so that valued members of our community, those who serve us in immeasurable ways (city servants, teachers, etc.), can afford to live among us, where they belong.
Dina Campeau,
Morgan Hill
