To the Editor:
Regarding the planned Residential District, Councilman Herron stated that he has heard some “concerns” from community members that the planned residential neighborhood could “evolve into government-subsidized, low-income housing,” and I understand that this is not Mr. Mitchell’s intent.
However, although we have probably all seen poorly-run government-subsidized, low-income housing projects and the problems they can sometimes create, I feel there are other aspects of this subject to consider.
Many of our children cannot afford to live and work in our beloved town because they cannot afford the cost of a home, no matter how modest, due to the fact that there are always people from other areas “looking for a bargain,” driving up the cost of homes.
Also, as former business owners for 19 years, we know how difficult it can sometimes be to find someone to do the labor needed to keep a business running properly.
With the price of gas increasing daily, it makes it even more difficult to “import” people from surrounding areas to help with these necessary tasks.
Let’s not keep “low income” people at arms’ length out of fear that they will cause problems in our town.
There are many folks who have fallen on hard times through no fault of their own who would welcome a chance to live and work in a place as beautiful as Old Forge.
By the way, do you know that we already have government-subsidized, low-income housing in Old Forge?
Its name is Lakeside Terrace Apartments and is home to many of our valuable, much-loved senior citizens.
With the right management company and supervision, these facilities can be a real asset to our community, not a detriment.
I would welcome anyone who wants to tour this lovely complex and see how low-income housing can be a plus for our community.
Joyce Leszyk, Site Manager
Lakeside Terrace Apartments
