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recently passed, and I appreciate that the projects before us <br /> include quality of life improvements such as sidewalks, a park, <br /> underground utilities, and local shopping. However, it is a sad <br /> time, especially when County revenues are up, that we appear to be <br /> totally dependent upon developers to provide lacking affordable <br /> housing to the point where we must accept a poison pill to go with <br /> the "cure." <br /> 4) Without legal precepts written in atone, this county will never <br /> be assured that affordable housing approved today won't mean <br /> speculation and exhorbidant prices tomorrow. we have all seen the <br /> prices of homes in previously bona fide affordable areas go <br /> financially far out of reach for local families and individuals. <br /> Luckily, there are existing models in other communities that are <br /> keeping speculation out of the affordable housing picture. These <br /> models must be studied, modified for island life, and then <br /> employed before this county utters the word "yeah" to another <br /> subdivision or commercial project. <br /> 5)There's no guarantee that this project's (or any) small, locally <br /> owned shops will be financially successful and remain open or true <br /> to their intended purpose (the Pines being a perfect example where <br /> real estate and financial planning concerns have replaced what <br /> used to be neighborhood shops). Without government support to keep <br /> small shops and small town centers alive and well (the way <br /> farming, better roads, parka, etc. are subsidized),-how can we be <br /> sure that those commercial areas won't actually encourage traffic <br /> to come into a neighborhood when different types of businesses end <br /> up replacing original stores? <br /> Though this council. has made great strides in only a few months <br /> toward righting what has been going wrong with $awai'i Island <br /> planning, there is much farther to go. There can be no harm in <br /> taking a severely cautious approach to subdivision approval as <br /> this island we've been severely taught the lessons of what what <br /> true, dangerous gridlock and lack of services can mean to our <br /> quality of life. <br /> <br /> Please defer these projects until a much later date, after our <br /> town has had a chance to get a true grip on its land use plans and <br /> <br />