(The following is a letter to the editor from Lansdale Borough Councilman William “BJ” Breish. The opinions expressed within are his own.)
In response to the recent public comment at the Upper Gwynedd Township Board of Commissioners Business meeting:
Whether in Upper Gwynedd, Lansdale, or beyond, advocacy for more quality affordable housing is extremely important. Although currently this conversation is happening in Upper Gwynedd, affordable housing is a county-wide issue, and I truly hope it’s only a matter of time before these conversations are happening in earnest in Lansdale. In the meantime, I have pushed for policy locally that could help incentivize quality affordable housing in Lansdale: I voted against the Lansdale 2040 comprehensive plan because it did not clearly create a plan for affordable housing and I have publicly appealed to the Lansdale planning commission to create zoning incentives which will make Lansdale more attractive to builders like Walters Group. We are in the middle of an affordable housing crisis, and I will continue to champion change and take responsibility for my part in breaking down the barriers that prevent individuals and families from thriving in our community.
Even though this project is in Upper Gwynedd, I am a Lansdale resident who lives in close proximity to the proposed project. I expect I'll even be able to see it right from my backyard. So contrary to what's being indicated by some, I am sincere when I champion for quality, affordable housing in Upper Gwynedd, as well as Lansdale, and throughout all of Montgomery County. Everyone deserves a decent place to live.
It's disheartening to hear some of the recent public comment by the now self-proclaimed NIMBYs (Not in My Backyard). This information is building a false narrative founded in fears that misguide the community by comparing the proposed project to a "nuclear waste site" and claiming my comments are disingenuous. Wherever you stand on these issues, I urge you to get the facts. Like the fact that 770 households in Upper Gwynedd are cost burdened, spending 30% or more of their income on the cost of their home. This puts these individuals and families one financial crisis away from disaster and it certainly does not put them in a position to thrive in our community. There are countless examples of this crisis in all our communities, and we must look beyond the noise and false narrative to come together at every level and solve it.
My opinions are my own and not representative of any official action taken by Lansdale Borough or its leadership. That being said, as a councilman for Lansdale Borough and someone who has consistently advocated on behalf of more quality affordable housing, I say we must all come together to oppose NIMBYs, and say yes, in my backyard. Make no mistake, we all have a responsibility to take part in this conversation regardless of where we live.
Interested in getting involved and voicing support for affordable housing? I am circulating a letter on behalf of Here for Us, which will be presented to the Upper Gwynedd Commissioners. You can lend your support by sending an email to [email protected] indicating that you would like to add your name to the letter. You will be joining other community members and organizations who have already signed their support including Manna on Main Street, Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware counties, HealthSpark Foundation, Bucks-Mont Collaborative, Here for Us, and the Montco 30% project.
Signed,
William “BJ” Breish
Councilman, Lansdale Borough
