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Resident praises taller mixed-income projects as model for better affordable housing
Summary
Craig Murtha, a Largo resident, told the commission he supports affordable housing but favors taller, mixed-income developments with green space; he cited a new four-story project as an example and said the Live Local Act could enable better designs.
Craig Murtha, speaking during public comment on Feb. 17, said he supports affordable housing and the city’s past work but criticized low-rise, high-density designs that leave little room for green space.
“I think a good example of affordable housing that was done well is that new one on Donegan and East…they did four floors and the density isn’t as high,” Murtha said, praising that site plan and saying taller mixed-income projects can produce better amenities for residents.
Murtha said the Live Local Act may lead to more opportunities for taller affordable housing in the region and that he hopes developers will pursue models that mix higher-end units with affordable units to improve outcomes for lower-income residents.
Murtha did not propose a specific city action and the commission did not vote on housing policy at the meeting; his remarks were recorded as public comment for the record.
Why it matters: Design choices such as building height, unit density and inclusion of green space affect the livability of affordable housing. Residents and commissioners may use public comment to inform future zoning or design conversations.
