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Public commenters urge council to address housing affordability and heat mitigation
Summary
Speakers at the Jan. 28 meeting urged the council to use ARPA funds for deeply affordable housing, reconsider IDA tax breaks for market-rate projects, and to pursue heat-mitigation measures such as shade trees and awnings.
Two members of the public used the council’s public-comment period to press for action on housing affordability and climate‑related heat mitigation.
Tarka Dells, who said they live on Tremont Avenue, praised council members for securing a small share of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and urged the council to continue pushing for housing policies that prioritize deeply affordable units. Dells said the council secured “0.83% of the $46,000,000 in ARPA funds” and urged the council to use its leverage with the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) to restrict tax incentives for projects that do not include deeply affordable housing, suggesting a minimum 20% deeply affordable requirement or banning PILOTs for market-rate development. Dells also criticized the loss of an opportunity to use the former Davis College campus for permanent supportive housing.
Another commenter, who identified herself as Elaine and lives off Old Front Street Road, asked the council to consider bringing back awnings and adding shade trees on commercial strips to reduce extreme heat impacts during hot weather and to help with cooling. Elaine said last year’s heat wave was severe and urged measures such as awnings and planting shade trees along business strips.
Council members did not take immediate action on either suggestion at the Jan. 28 meeting but Council member Hotchkiss reminded listeners the planning committee will host a town hall on a proposed “good cause eviction” ordinance and encouraged attendance at other upcoming meetings and boards.
