HomeMy WebLinkAboutComment Received 05-31-2017 - Avila Ranch and San Luis Ranch (General) (Neylan)
From: John Neylan <
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2017 7:51 PM
To: Advisory Bodies
Subject: RE: Housing
Hello,
RECEIVED
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
MAY 3 1 2017
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
I am a 28 -almost -29 year old young professional living and working in SLO. I have a BA and a Masters Degree, more
than 5 years of working experience, and I come from an upper middle class background. Here, my salary is considered
low income though in many other parts of the country I would be considered middle class. I write to you in urgent
advocacy of some of the workforce housing developments, like the Avila Ranch and San Luis Ranch developments,
among others.
I have been living with roommates for years and am now wanting to settle down and marry my girlfriend. We love
this area and this community in its many aspects, however it is currently wholly unaffordable to rent a place for
ourselves, let alone buy a house. All across our County there are people just like me who are delaying the American
Dream of marriage and home ownership and a family because of the barriers we face. Our city's policies cannot move
forward if the only voices that are heard are the local wealthy property owners. I understand their perspective -at one
time they were just like me and now they own their dream home in "the happiest town in America." However, our
severe housing shortage has caused SLO to become one of the least affordable places to live in the country and it has
significantly disadvantaged people like me. Our City and County can become a place for all to live, because a
community is strong when it invests in the next generation. Please open your hearts and minds and remember that we
all must live together in this community.
Sincerely,
-J