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@Hogwash. In my view, I think that encapsulates the problem with this decision by Mr. Brown. Public parks, playgrounds are put on the backburner because affordable housing is a "bigger" problem. But will the $18 million being re-routed to affordable housing really put a dent in the problem? I don't think so. The reality is there is a great demand for housing in this city that is causing prices to rise. The things DC has done to combat this issue, such as creating affordable housing themselves, giving money to non-profits to create housing, or subsidizing low interest rate mortgages to the poor, have been (to varying degrees) failures and losses to city taxpayers. The only thing i've seen DC have success in is when they make developers create mixed income housing, but that doesn't require money from the city budget. To me given the track record, throwing $18 million at the issue of affordable housing will not make a noticeable difference. However, that $18 million could make a huge and immediate difference in revitalizing a neighborhood and improving the quality of life for many residents and children.

by I. Rex on May 15, 2012 1:45 pm • link • report