In support of Crescent Place

Faith Community Homes (becoming FamilyForward Nov. 1) strongly supports the Crescent Place development envisioned at 310 W. Rand Rd. As a nonprofit organization empowering low-income, working families in Arlington Heights since 2003, we see two good reasons to move forward with Crescent Place.

First, affordable housing for those who work here is greatly needed. Arlington Heights restaurants, schools, retirement homes, assisted-living facilities, grocery stores and retail shops employ hundreds of low-income workers. These low-income earners deserve an opportunity to live in the community they serve. Second, the Crescent Place endeavor will put vacant land to good use. The 40-unit development will be situated between the existing Arlington Plaza commercial center and the Stonebridge Apartments. This vacant parcel has a history of commercial failures.

HUD defines affordable housing as, "Housing on which the occupant is paying no more than 30% of gross income for housing costs, including utilities." With 20 one-bedroom and 20 two-bedroom units in the development, it will draw lower-income couples and families who wish to live (and shop) where they work. While 32 of the units are aimed at families earning up to 60% of area median income (equating to $57,800 or $28/hour for a full-time wage earner), just eight units are set aside for families earning 30% AMI ($28,900 or $14/hour).

Residents who prefer that affordable housing be situated elsewhere ("not in my back yard") are making a lot of noise, for fear of crime, lower property values and traffic congestion. Multiple research studies refute these beliefs for smaller developments; contact me for links to specific studies.

To keep the Village of Arlington Heights a vibrant, inclusive, economically viable community, it is imperative that those who work for all of us can afford adequate housing. Please cut through the noise and support this initiative.

Tim Wayman, Board Chair

Faith Community Homes

Arlington Heights