Bravo Freep!

Today's editorial in the Burlington Free Press exposes the flaws in the affordable housing bill under discussion in the Legislature.

"...Housing within the reach of a broad range of incomes is key to ensuring prosperity in Vermont. Too often, we hear the cost of housing as among the reasons why an employer is unable to attract employees to fill an available job.

The only way housing prices will come down is if the supply increases or the demand falls. The latter would signal trouble because an economic slowdown is the usual reason behind falling demand. That leaves building more homes as the preferred solution.

Vermont has done a pretty good job of balancing the need for growth and protecting open lands that help define the state's character and image. That must continue. But in order to deal with the state's housing problem, those Vermonters who see growth as somehow diminishing the quality of life here need to get over the notion that development is a dirty word. "

Kudos to the Free Press editorial board for getting it right!