Where is area's affordable housing?

What is affordable housing?

It seems nearly every developer is building affordable housing in and around the Sandpoint area.

On March 14, city, county and representatives from a research company will present the final report and recommendations for affordable housing here.

It's obvious housing prices have increased in the area. It's equally clear that working people have to live here.

Just a quick glance in the Daily Bee classifieds will show an average rent of $900 a month and home prices hovering around $450,000.

That's not affordable housing.

It's our hope this report will be the starting point for the city and county to discuss to address making this the type of place everyone can call home … or afford to call home.

The meeting, which is at 5 p.m. on March 14 in the Sandpoint City Council chambers, is open to the public.

It's interesting to note the Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, Coldwater Creek, Qwest Airlines, Tomlinson-Black, Panhandle State Bank, Bonner General Hospital and other businesses paid to have this study done.

The time is now to address this issue.

David Keyes is publisher of the Daily Bee.