Kane Sweeney: Affordable housing now

January 29, 2024

To the Community: 

Last year, I promised to work hard to expand affordable housing in the town of Waterbury. To date, the only affordable housing project that was approved in the last year was 51 South Main Street. That’s unacceptable to me and to many renters within our borders. It’s simply not enough. 

The data we have on Waterbury’s vacancy (apartment turnover) rates is two years old and at that time it was 0%. You have to look no further than in the Waterbury housing section of Craigslist to find no apartments at all. This has gone beyond crisis to the point of emergency. 

As pandemic-era wage gains for working folks flatten due to the rising cost of goods, the price of long-term rentals continues to climb, leaving renters with no options but to pony up the extra change to keep a roof over their heads or be kicked to the curb. Not to mention the ratcheting-up of state education taxes that will become a major financial strain to working-class homeowners. 

There is no longer an argument for NIMBYism or waiting around for the state to take care of it as our friends and neighbors struggle to afford the basic necessities. Our entire community is suffering because of our lack of housing options. 

The solution is not complicated. If you build it, they will rent it. Tell your representatives and your selectboard: Affordable Housing Now. 

Thank you, 

Kane Sweeney

Kane Sweeney is a member of the Waterbury Select Board.

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