Leaf-shaded walks, flower beds in profusion, well stocked duck ponds: how does such an admirably eco-minded beautification plan get affordable housing activists calling ‘fowl?’
The answer lies in a proposed bylaw to fund local park maintenance in a suburb of Portland, Oregon. On the surface, the method of raising funds is somewhat unusual. Except for that, it seems innocent enough. A fee would be levied whenever a house is torn down. How could that interfere with affordable housing?
Housing activists aren’t ducking that question. They see it as a clear disincentive to build affordable housing in more exclusive neighbourhoods. They’re calling the by-law a sneak attack on new Oregon legislation requiring communities to build more affordable housing. Read more at realtor.com: Trouble Brewing in Portland’s Fight for Affordable Housing
