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Open Letter |
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Affordable Housing & our Public Schools |
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Business Community |
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Rail Trail |
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My Background |
Affordable Housing and our Public Schools
If elected Selectman, one of my goals will be to facilitate the development of affordable housing in Williamstown. There are two reasons why I will focus on this:
- It is the right thing to do. Healthy and vibrant communities must have housing which is affordable for young people who are embarking on their working careers. Young people who are working in or near Williamstown should not be compelled to look for homes in North Adams and other neighboring communities. They should be able to live right here in town.
- Affordable housing is an effective way to deal with the declining enrollment in our schools. The declining enrollment in our elementary and high school is worrisome. Ten years ago, the enrollment in our elementary school was 589 students. Today, it is 460. Seven years ago, the enrollment at Mt. Greylock was 826. Today, it is 643.
This decline in enrollment, which approximates 22%, will potentially have a severe impact on the quality of our schools. Schools will have to close off classrooms, lay off teachers and eliminate programs, such as foreign languages, music, theatre and after-school programs.
I believe that one of the most effective ways to address declining enrollment is to create housing which young families can afford. Not only will families stay in Williamstown, but affordable homes will attract new families with young children to our town. - If elected Selectman, I will work closely and actively with our Affordable Housing Committee and provide what ever support is needed to facilitate its work. I also propose that Williamstown research and apply for any and all grants offered by the State and Federal Government and private foundations, which provide funding and support for the creation of affordable and middle income housing.