During a recent government meeting, community members expressed concerns regarding a proposed affordable housing project in Rockport. Resident Sue Patch raised objections to the classification of a duplex priced at nearly $400,000 as \"affordable housing,\" questioning how it could be considered more accessible than existing single-family homes in the area, which are similarly priced.
Patch inquired about the number of buildings planned for the site and their orientation, emphasizing her reservations about the architectural style presented, which she felt did not align with the traditional aesthetics of Rockport. She argued that the project, which aims to accommodate two families in one building, does not effectively address the community's need for genuinely affordable housing.
In response, the developer defended the project, stating that the rising costs of new construction necessitate a higher price point. He highlighted that the proposed units are upgraded townhouses, designed to blend into the neighborhood rather than being basic structures. The developer maintained that the project aims to provide quality housing options, despite the challenges posed by current market conditions.
The discussion reflects ongoing tensions in the community regarding housing affordability and the definition of what constitutes affordable living in a rapidly changing real estate landscape.