Dear Editor,

Many of you are familiar with me through the years as the birth-mother, advocate, activist of the discussion on affordable housing for Nederland. My focus is on elder-senior-older adult subsidized housing. So, of course I continue to be a presence to give “us” a seat at the table.

Chris Kelly’s article was excellent, factual, objective, and informative reporting. I’ve had mixed feelings about spending so much money on a housing survey when it’s a fact that many people are experiencing the affordable housing crisis, regardless of demographic. And, the money may be better spent to help address the problem.

I think most people are familiar with the phrase popularized in the movie “Field of Dreams” that said, “If you build it they will come.” I particularly like, and appreciate, Community Planner Britt DeMinck’s turning away from using the word “affordable” when discussing the future of housing for those yet to arrive wanting to call Nederland home; instead exchanging that word to “sustainable.”

When we think about the word sustainable it tends to be directed at things not people. It helps to refocus the “if you build it they will come” discussion to people. Back to those who grew up here and want to raise their children here. Those who’ve lived here most of their lives and are struggling, especially those on fixed low incomes. Those in the local workforce whose wages to rents are so incongruous that they commute quite a distance, or when possible double-triple up to share.

So, forget about building for the future. WE ARE ALREADY HERE and want to stay here.

Atashnaa Medicineshield Werner

Nederland