Keep working on housing for disabled
The mission of the Naperville Accessible Community Task Force (ACTF) is to "enhance the lives of individuals with cognitive, physical, mental or developmental disabilities living, working in or visiting Naperville." Consistent with that mission, the ACTF strongly supports a meaningful and implementable affordable and accessible housing program for Naperville. Statistics indicate that people with disabilities often have lower incomes than the general population. A comprehensive affordable and accessible housing program would allow people with disabilities and other lower income individuals to be active and productive members of our community.
The ACTF was disappointed that the Naperville Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted against the updated Naperville Comprehensive Master Plan at its March 4 meeting. The plan, created by consultant S.B. Friedman and city staff, outlined potential pathways to increasing affordable and accessible housing in Naperville.
The ACTF encourages S.B. Friedman, the Housing Advisory Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission and city staff, along with community input, to continue constructive and meaningful dialogue to create an affordable and accessible housing program for Naperville.
The ACTF strongly supports the need for more affordable and accessible housing for people with disabilities, seniors and other lower income groups. This will lead to a more diverse, inclusive and sustainable community that allows all of our citizens to interact with one another in meaningful and fulfilling ways. Naperville is a beautiful city in which to live, visit or work; however is it a welcoming community to those who want to live here who are seeking affordable housing? It is up to local government officials to ensure they implement an affordable and accessible housing program that will serve to create an inclusive, diverse and sustainable Naperville to address the short- and long-term needs of all of our citizens.
Gary D. Smith, Naperville
Chair, Naperville Accessible Community Task Force