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Betsy Lenora submitting comments re: #200102, a proposed inclusionary housing ordinance.
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To the Honorable Board:
I would like to add my voice in support of the proposal that 20% of new units of 6+ built be set aside for affordable housing. I have been personally affected very recently when I received a notice to vacate the premises of my apt. in an old house in North Cambridge. I own a small shop in Ball Square and without a car, I needed to stay in the area. After 12 years in one place, I was appalled to see the sky high price of rental units in the area. Everywhere, developers are buying up old properties and either rehabbing them into million dollar condos or tearing them down and rebuilding million dollar plus townhouses. What made Somerville a wonderful place to live - it's arts, culture, heritage, neighborhoods and more - will become a city of the very wealthy. And why do the wealthy want to live in Somerville? Because of the aforementioned qualities. Somerville along with all other cities across the United States needs to maintain their diversity and history. People need a place to live; they should have the choice to live where they want to. The wealthy should not be the only ones. I was extremely lucky to be offered a below market apt. in Somerville. Because so many people are on the low income housing lists, many, many lives are in limbo. I honestly don't know where I would be now if my apt. hadn't become available. Most people aren't so lucky!
Vote for the proposal, this country needs more affordable housing, not less!
Betsy Lenora