How does building low-income housing units affect home prices in the area. Is the project a go in Cranford? (Orange: low income)

[paperpile]

Hi,

I found some tidbits of news info online on a proposed low-income/market rate housing units to be built on Birchwood Ave in Cranford. Sounds like it has met with a lot of opposition. Has a decision been made whether this will occur?

How would such a development affect the prices of the nearby houses?

[re_alvz]

Well a MDU or low income housing always negatively affect the prices of the houses around. That being said, it happens in every town. When a contractor is building new units they have to set some units aside for low income housing.
Most residents don't want it, but it happens. Rarely the officials reverse their decision.

Anyway, this particular housing unit, I believe, falls in the flood zone, so if you are looking to buy a house around this development, be careful. Flooding might be a much bigger problem and affect the prices more significantly than low income housing.

[Sergio M]

This is a quiet area. That is why we moved here. This project will increase traffic on Orange and Bloomingdale Ave. Most of all the residents fear that it will increase flooding, and displace water to their homes. They dont want 350 families coming and going behind their house. This will change the town feel and will negatively impact the home prices because buyers will be reluctant to buy with a highrise in their backyard, and busy streets all around.

[paperpile]

When is the construction starting?

[Marc Paolella]

I really do not understand why we have allowed our government to tell us what homes to build, where they are to be built, and for whom they are to be built. We honestly have to reverse this. It's utterly wrong in every way.

[Sergio M]

I don't believe they have the permits to build. They started removing garbage (without permits) that was dumped there years ago. I believe they found some toxic waste as well, and there may now be an open claim with the DEP. That should hold them up for a while. I don't think that the enviromental studies and traffic impact analysis are completed at this point.

[GiantRutgersfan]

Originally Posted by Marc Paolella

I really do not understand why we have allowed our government to tell us what homes to build, where they are to be built, and for whom they are to be built. We honestly have to reverse this. It's utterly wrong in every way.

I agree.

You should live in a town appropriate for the amount of money you make. Why should a poor person receive housing subsidized by tax payers to live in Cranford, while a lot of middle class people with careers cant even afford a house there?