A plan to build a new apartment building on North Street in Auburn looks to us like a win for the city.
The proposal, under review by the Auburn Planning Board, is for a 50-unit building with a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments on what is currently a vacant lot at 197 North St. It would house about 77 residents and is aimed at people making between $35,000 and $56,000 a year.
Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services plans to spend $24 million on the venture, which it described as "affordable workforce housing."
Some nearby residents told the planning board at a meeting May 6 that they don't like the idea of bringing more people — and more traffic — to the area.
Listen now and subscribe: | | | | |
We understand that projects like this can make neighbors uneasy, but the fact is that the city has a tremendous need for affordable housing — and this building should fit seamlessly into the mix.
The planning board hasn't voted on the project yet and is still accepting feedback, but officials pointed out to the public during last week's meeting that the city doesn't decide where projects like this one get built — it's a private development planned for private property.
We're glad the city planning board is doing its due diligence and studying the proposal in detail.
But barring any new information, we see no reason why this much-needed housing development shouldn't get a green light.
