Habitat for Arcata

A friend who works in Arcata and makes what many consider a fair salary is frustrated that she cannot afford a house in Arcata. I don't see any reason why Arcata can't provide housing for its working people.

I would like to encourage the building of multifamily homes close to the Plaza that could be sold as tenants-in-common units -- two to three flats per house, built on small lots -- for an affordable price to working people.

Each building would have a private garden in the back. In some cases a block of houses would be built with a shared, semiprivate garden. To discourage cars, and to be able to build more of these houses and keep the prices down, they would not come with garages or parking spots for cars. Ideally, you would not need parking because you could walk, bike or shuttle to the Plaza and university. If you need a car or truck you could borrow a vehicle from my proposed City Car Share program. (See separate post)

Throughout Arcata there are vacant lots and abandoned industrial property perfect for housing. We need to provide housing for our working folks.

It can be done. Arcata will find the money from redevelopment funds, to county funds, to private funds. I know that with creative thinking and decisive action we can implement this program and help people to be able to both own a place here and work in this town.