Affordable townhomes on Hyacinth Lane

Several years ago concerned neighbors from this northerly HP neighborhood approached me and pleaded to get the Lake County Health Clinic out of this neighborhood as was being proposed. I agreed this might not be the right place and worked with Mike Belsky and others to move it downtown. Since this North side property is zoned commercial real estate and could allow many cars and employees I asked the neighbors if they would rather see residential. Most all agreed that would be a far better choice for this area. With that in mind the city entered into an agreement with the County to buy this property and to use funds from our housing fund to subsidize housing for middle class families that otherwise could not afford most of HP. While the normal market value of these homes would be 500+ thought this program we could offer them in the 200k range. This is a great change from the commercial with that could generate much more traffic. I attended meeting with the neighbors and they have raised some valid concerns about traffic and were immediately addressed. Some others talked about the value of their properties devalued and this discussion really rubbed me the wrong way since I do not believe this argument is factual. On the contrary I think these townhomes will support values very well and also support our many residents and working people that are having a hard time staying in our community.