It's not how big the house is, it's how happy the home is.
All sorts of disinformation, misinformation and myths surrounding affordable
housing have been circulated for years to the disadvantage of many.
From blaming it for generating more traffic and overburdening public
infrastructure to lowering property values and spawning crimes, affordable
housing has been at the receiving end. This article strives to put all of these
baseless allegations to rest, and focus on what really affordable housing is.
housing have been circulated for years to the disadvantage of many.
From blaming it for generating more traffic and overburdening public
infrastructure to lowering property values and spawning crimes, affordable
housing has been at the receiving end. This article strives to put all of these
baseless allegations to rest, and focus on what really affordable housing is.
On Traffic
Study after study goes on to demonstrate that affordable housing residents own fewer
vehicles and drive 20-30 percent less than those in the neighborhood. The National
Personal Transportation Survey found that low-income households in such housings
make 40 percent fewer trips than other households. The former mostly depend on
public transportation for daily commutes. Hence, there’s no question of affordable
housing causing traffic congestion.
vehicles and drive 20-30 percent less than those in the neighborhood. The National
Personal Transportation Survey found that low-income households in such housings
make 40 percent fewer trips than other households. The former mostly depend on
public transportation for daily commutes. Hence, there’s no question of affordable
housing causing traffic congestion.
On Crimes
Until now, there is no correlation between increased crime rates and affordable housing.
Studies show that what does cause crime are factors such as lack of jobs, lack
of community services, community disinvestment, and overcrowding. Affordable
housing in inner cities saves people from living in slum conditions, which breed crimes.
Thorough screening of residents, proper management of property, and round-the-clock
security measures ensure that no illegal activities take place in the premises of affordable
housing.
Studies show that what does cause crime are factors such as lack of jobs, lack
of community services, community disinvestment, and overcrowding. Affordable
housing in inner cities saves people from living in slum conditions, which breed crimes.
Thorough screening of residents, proper management of property, and round-the-clock
security measures ensure that no illegal activities take place in the premises of affordable
housing.
On Infrastructure
Traditional single-family homes have 2-3 times the number of school-going kids than those
residing in high density but affordable apartments. The U.S. Office of Technology Assessment
revealed that it costs $10,000 more per unit to provide public infrastructures to
a lower density suburban than to a more compact urban neighborhood.
Infrastructure construction costs per housing unit decline drastically as density increases.
residing in high density but affordable apartments. The U.S. Office of Technology Assessment
revealed that it costs $10,000 more per unit to provide public infrastructures to
a lower density suburban than to a more compact urban neighborhood.
Infrastructure construction costs per housing unit decline drastically as density increases.
On Property Values
Wayne State University, Michigan tracked property values nationwide both before
and after the coming of affordable housing, and it found that affordable housing
has no significant effect on property values. Similar research by another entity
found that affordable housing doesn’t impact negatively on the sales of neighboring
homes. Affordable housing does not reduce the desirability of surrounding properties.
Property values are affected by other factors unrelated to such housing.
and after the coming of affordable housing, and it found that affordable housing
has no significant effect on property values. Similar research by another entity
found that affordable housing doesn’t impact negatively on the sales of neighboring
homes. Affordable housing does not reduce the desirability of surrounding properties.
Property values are affected by other factors unrelated to such housing.
Last Word
According to several leading multifamily housing contractors in the USA, affordable
housing plus support services present the most cost-effective way of extending
help to vulnerable members of our society. Generally built through public-private
partnerships and provided at subsidized rates, these housings are a blessing for
low-income sections of the community who want to lead a decent life. Construction
of such houses create jobs and generate revenues for the federal and state governments.
housing plus support services present the most cost-effective way of extending
help to vulnerable members of our society. Generally built through public-private
partnerships and provided at subsidized rates, these housings are a blessing for
low-income sections of the community who want to lead a decent life. Construction
of such houses create jobs and generate revenues for the federal and state governments.
