As documented by the Spy over the last few years, the issue of affordable housing has risen to become one of Easton’s most significant challenges, mirroring many towns on the Mid-Shore, as more and more potential residents are unable to find reasonably priced homes for purchase or rent.
The topic of affordable housing and possible solutions to this very complex problem has been very much on the mind of Jennifer Dindinger, the chairperson of the Easton Planning Commission, and her colleagues. Tasked with finding ways to balance the community’s aspirations and the realities of the housing market, the commission has worked hard to help redefine and reshape Easton’s policies.
In her long-form Spy interview, Dindinger emphasized the importance of incorporating community feedback into the town’s planning process. She noted the difficulty in engaging residents long-term, mentioning that despite efforts to make public meetings accessible and to post updates on community social media pages, many are still unaware of ongoing developments until decisions are nearly finalized.
A significant focus for the commission is to ensure housing is available at various price points, making it attainable for residents with different income levels. The town is exploring various affordable housing models, from government-assisted programs to initiatives like Habitat for Humanity.
Traffic and environmental concerns were also addressed, with Dindinger mentioning the impact of increased housing development on local roads and the need to manage stormwater runoff effectively.
The commission is advocating for adjustments in zoning laws to better align with the comprehensive plan developed from community input. This plan emphasizes less car dependency, preservation of natural spaces, and manageable traffic levels while providing necessary amenities.
This video is approximately 15 minutes in length. For more information about the Easton Planning Commission please go here.
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