During a recent city council meeting, Kathleen Bailey raised significant concerns regarding the Affordable Housing Task Force's direction and the implications of proposed zoning changes. Bailey, a resident of Jason in Union, expressed disappointment that the task force's efforts have shifted towards supporting high-density cottage zoning in residential areas, rather than focusing on building family-sized affordable housing.

Bailey criticized the cottage zoning plan, which allows for the subdivision of single-family lots into five to six small homes, arguing that these units are inadequate for raising families. She highlighted the ongoing demolition of existing affordable homes in other residential zones, questioning the effectiveness of the task force's approach to addressing the city's housing crisis.

In her address, Bailey posed three critical questions to the council. First, she inquired why the task force was informed that there were no developable public properties for affordable housing, despite the city owning significant land. Second, she questioned the lack of support from staff for acquiring light industrial or commercial properties for affordable housing development, suggesting that grants or low-interest loans could have been pursued. Lastly, she challenged the rationale behind promoting high-density zoning while simultaneously allowing the demolition of existing affordable homes, calling for a reconsideration of the bulk plain law to protect current housing stock.

Bailey's remarks underscore a growing concern among residents about the city's approach to affordable housing and the potential consequences of prioritizing high-density developments over family-oriented solutions. The council's response to these issues remains to be seen as the community grapples with the pressing need for affordable housing solutions.