During a recent planning commission meeting, members addressed the pressing housing crisis affecting the community, emphasizing the urgent need for more affordable housing options. Commissioner Pine expressed sympathy for businesses that may be displaced by new developments but highlighted the stark contrast between thriving commercial areas and those suffering from \"dark retail sites.\" He acknowledged the necessity of increasing housing availability, albeit noting that the current proposal only meets the minimum percentage of affordable units required.

Vice Chair Davis echoed these sentiments, sharing personal concerns about the housing situation impacting his own family. He pointed out the significant number of home transactions occurring in the area, underscoring the severity of the crisis. The commission discussed the approval of seven affordable housing units, which, while a step forward, still falls short of addressing the broader needs of the community. Davis clarified that the term \"affordable\" in this context does not equate to low-income housing, as qualifying income levels for these units can reach up to $211,000 for a family of four, a stark contrast to affordability standards in other regions.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the challenges posed by traffic and parking issues related to new developments, but the overarching message was clear: the community is in dire need of more housing solutions to combat the ongoing crisis.