1 week Ago
If you’re like most Richmond residents, you probably received a mailer recently from the local Republican party. Before you form an opinion based on what’s inside, it’s important to address some of the misinformation, particularly around affordable housing and the role of the Planning Board. As the current vice chairman of the Planning Board and a candidate for Town Council, it is important to me to make sure you have accurate, factual information.
Let’s start with the issue of affordable housing, which is being seriously misrepresented. Affordable LMI (Low-to-Moderate Income) housing is not the same as low-income housing, which seems to be the source of confusion. There is no plan to develop low-income housing along Route 138 in Richmond.
What is being discussed is mixed-use development, a balanced approach that combines housing options, including LMI housing, and commercial enterprises. This type of planning is a smart way to make sure our town grows sustainably, offering opportunities for everyone while keeping our small-town feel intact. What does affordable housing really mean for Richmond? The U.
S. Department of Housing and Urban Development defines low-income households as those earning 80% or less of the area’s median income. Back in 2020, a household of four in Richmond with an annual income of $69,600 or less was considered low-income.
For moderate-income households, the range was between $69,600 and $104,400. These numbers have since increased. When we talk about LMI housing, we’re discussing homes for families earning in that range — not low-income housing as the mailer implies.
Let’s also be clear: this isn’t about political figures or national parties. The housing issue we face is a complex, local matter. It’s rooted in longstanding challenges, like the effects of the Great Recession and an increasing population.
Pointing fingers at “Progressives” or even national figures like Biden or Trump doesn’t solve the problem. The only way forward is by working together, with fact-based discussions and a shared commitment to finding solutions. That’s why I’m part of the Richmond Community Alliance, a group dedicated to providing residents with the facts they need to understand important town issues.
Through our newsletter, I’ve contributed articles on topics like the town’s affordable housing survey and accessory dwelling units, which give residents a deeper understanding of these crucial subjects. This is the kind of information we should be spreading — not the misleading claims in the recent mailer. Finally, let’s address the claim that the Planning Board is actively considering recommendations from state officials to build non-resident affordable housing.
This is flat-out false. What’s really happening is a study, funded by a grant, to determine the best use of land along Route 138, which is a state-designated growth area. Richmond residents deserve leaders who make decisions based on facts, not fear.
As you head to the polls, consider whether you want people who are committed to working in the best interest of our town or candidates who spread misinformation. Choose leaders who will bring solutions, not scare tactics. Dan Madnick Richmond The writer is a candidate for Richmond Town Council.
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