Require Manatee County builders also construct affordable housing

Recently, the Bradenton Herald published two full pages of advertisements for new homes in a multitude of developments in the Manatee County area. Beautiful homes, expensive homes.

At the same time we learn there are many people who must spend half their income on housing. You see a problem here?

County commissioners are expected to deal with both situations. They are problem-solvers we elected.

When developers approach the powers that be for all the permits required before building, insist that for each expensive home to be built, contractors must also provide an affordable dwelling. The exact amount of money should be based on the current incomes and home prices. Is that so hard? Seems logical and simple to me.

For example, Mr. Carlos Beruff is without question a brilliant businessman and organizer with a consuming interest in his community and its families. When he orders construction of a $1 million home, he could also commit to an apartment building that would house a multitude of less well-off families/individuals.

I feel sure he could figure out a way to produce fine housing for many Manatee folks. It would set a good example for other developers who are presently not too popular. It might even help Mr. Beruff at the ballot box.

Carolyn Schneider

Bradenton

This story was originally published April 13, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Require Manatee County builders also construct affordable housing ."