Editorial: Second verse better than the first on housing plan

The sequel of ALICE in Paradise was far superior to the original when it played out this week before the Collier County Commission.

Unlike two weeks ago when the commission didn’t act well when county staff and advisers were trying to present the latest set of community housing plan recommendations, commissioners’ performance on Tuesday was engaging.

Those watching the sequel Tuesday got a clear direction of what would remain in the script. Editing out parts as commissioners did is OK because that’s their role. For example, commissioners correctly ended consideration of a linkage fee on any new commercial properties, which already pay Collier’s considerable but necessary impact fees on new construction to help pay for growth.

Commissioners directed staff Tuesday to come up with more specifics for expanding housing impact fee deferrals, renewing a housing trust fund, creating a community land trust and devising a housing availability communications plan.

ALICE is a central figure in this housing initiative. ALICE is the acronym for "asset limited, income constrained, employed," cited by the United Way in reports examining how affordable communities are for those who live, work and raise families there.

ALICE wasn’t present Tuesday to lobby commissioners as were some housing plan opponents. ALICE and her peers were working.

“Please keep the ball moving forward,” urged Michael Dalby, chief executive of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, speaking on the workforce’s behalf after commissioners had delayed considering several housing plan recommendations April 10.

There is no one strategy to provide attainable housing for all members of the supporting cast of Collier’s economy. Stephen Hruby, who directs a county advisory committee on housing, rightly reminded commissioners of that Tuesday.

Kudos also to Commissioner Penny Taylor, who recited some of the occupations challenged to find residences to rent and buy here — nursing aides, administrative assistants, teachers, firefighters and medics. Dalby mentioned hospitality workers, health services employees and government workers. They all deserve a place in the credits for making sure the area’s retirees and tourists enjoy their time in paradise.

Research that went into the housing plan showed a need for 60,000 dwelling units to accommodate those trying to stay within the recommended range of spending 30 percent of their income on housing, Taylor noted.

The $250,000 question

Commissioner Bill McDaniel said there’s no question there is a housing need, but added he wants to make sure subjective data isn’t used in crafting solutions.

We’d concur on that point and would start with the $250,000 question he and some housing plan opponents are creating. How is it that $250,000 has become a benchmark of what is affordable for ALICE and her co-workers?

That $250,000 is being offered as a cutoff point of how many units are for sale below that price point. Why? Maybe ALICE doesn’t have that much of a down payment. Maybe ALICE has crushing college debt, medical bills, hefty child care expenses or is a single parent. Maybe ALICE wants to rent. Should ALICE not be able to live and work in wonderland if she can’t afford a $250,000 residence?

If we’re looking for a benchmark figure, how about $180,000 instead?  

When Collier’s leading private employer, Arthrex, addressed commissioners in December, the North Naples-based international surgical device manufacturer explained why it is building a 1,000-job plant in South Carolina, not here. Not only is it the lack of a locally trained workforce, the presentation also noted a $180,000 median housing price for South Carolina workers compared with $400,000 here.

Residences for $180,000 could open the door to many more ALICEs in paradise.