Affordable housing benefits the entire community yet there are many
assumptions and myths that surround affordable housing. Here are some myths and the facts that dispel those myths.
Myth: People who live in affordable housing are on welfare or won’t fit into my neighborhood.
Fact: People who need affordable housing already live and work in Eden Prairie or may work in Eden Prairie but can’t afford to live
here. The word “affordable” simply means that a household should devote no more than 30% of their income to rent or mortgage payments and utilities. Most residents of modern affordable housing developments work full-time at low or moderate-income jobs. A rent increase, divorce, job-loss or other adverse circumstances may cause others to need affordable housing. So, while many people who need this housing are already working in Eden Prairie, the question is
whether they can afford to remain here.
Myth: High-density and affordable housing will increase crime.
Fact: After studying housing and neighborhoods throughout the country, Oscar Newman, an architect and city planner, concluded that the design and use of public spaces, and particularly the sense of ownership and control that residents have over these areas, has far more significant effect on crime than density or income levels.
For many years social scientists have asked whether high-density housing causes crime. Not one study has shown any relationship between population or housing density and violent crime rates. Once residents’ incomes are taken into account, the effect of density on non-violent crime decreases to non-significance.
Myth: Affordable housing will lower property values.
Fact: Many studies have been done, and the truth is the single most significant factor affecting property values is the preexisting value of the land in a given community or area. This in-turn is based on supply and demand, proximity to major urban centers, nearby attractions, any negative factors such as environmental contaminants, and availability of adequate infrastructure and services. Architectural standards and adequate maintenance also strongly influence property values, particularly as they apply to affordable rental properties. Properly maintained affordable housing developments, designed and built with sensitivity to the architectural and aesthetic standards desired by the community, may even increase property
values.
Myth: More affordable housing means higher taxes.
Fact: Affordable housing frequently has a neutral or negligible effect on the local tax rate. In a study comparing taxes in towns that had minimum, moderate and high residential growth, the property taxes per household increased the most in slow-growing communities. And where better to invest our money? After all, our children are the future of our communities.
Myth: Homeowners are better than renters. People who are homeowners are considered better citizens because they pay property taxes.
Fact: Renters pay property taxes through their monthly rent payments to the property owner.
VI. Resources
Minnesota Housing Partnership – https://mhponline.org/
Family Housing Fund – http:www.fhfund.org/
Governor’s Task Force on Housing – https://mnhousingtaskforce.com
PROP
Common Bond
Eden Prairie Housing Alliance 