For Whom Is 'Affordable' Housing Affordable?

In the context of the recent 'precedent setting' inclusionary zoning ordinance in Highland Park, Chicago Tribune columnist Eric Zorn asks, "What does 'affordable' mean?"

1 minute read

August 31, 2003, 7:00 AM PDT

By Connie Chung

In light of the recent "landmark ordinance requiring that 20 percent of multi-family home construction projects qualify as affordable" columnist Eric Zorn describes the tension between city officials who are stretching the definition of affordable, and the affordable housing advocates they can't fool. He writes:"Action will take time. Affordable housing, mixed-income housing, even--gulp!--low-income housing are concepts that are as hard to implement as they are to sell. But the sale is going through. The idea has arrived that we cannot and should not let soaring home prices change the character of our communities. There is real value to income diversity."

Thanks to Connie Chung

FULL STORY: `Affordable' housing efforts complex, vital

Friday, August 29, 2003 in The Chicago Tribune

Housing Illinois

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