Affordable housing is right option for village

I've been blessed to live in Arlington Heights for 28 years. Our government is well-run. Our streets get shoveled. Storm debris gets cleared. Our schools are excellent. Our park district, proximity to O'Hare, Metra availability, varied businesses, excellent restaurants and my favorite - the Arlington Heights Memorial Library - are second to none. It's no wonder people want to move to here.

I listened to the recent Village board meeting regarding a zoning change to bring affordable housing to Arlington Heights. Presentations by the developers and village staff were detailed and impressive. Residents of the neighborhood have traffic concerns. They prefer the property stay as is - zoned for commercial use. Unfortunately, it's not a good retail or restaurant location. Some suggested making it a park. There is too much street noise and it could be dangerous on Rand Road.

Others said it's the trustee's fiduciary duty to avoid raising taxes. The property under consideration has been vacant 19 years. It is not prime commercial space. If not rezoned, it will likely remain vacant. That does nothing to help taxpayers. On the other hand, apartment residents would spend money in our community.

One drawback I see in our town is lack of diversity. I don't mean only racial or ethnic diversity - but economic diversity as well. In my view, diversity creates a more vibrant, richer community. We all grow when we interact with people of different backgrounds, jobs, ages and life experiences.

We've been talking about affordable housing in Arlington Heights for a long time. We have a chance to make it happen with this project - to put words into action, to improve our community by increasing inclusion. Arlington Heights should not be a place for only the wealthy. Let's show we truly are the City of Good Neighbors. It's time.

Amy Somary

Arlington Heights