Asheville SHAC posed the following question to all 15 candidates:
"What's your position on increasing density / affordable housing in Asheville via micro housing?"
In the time leading up to the election we will share the candidates' answers in the order in which they respond. If you're a resident of the city of Asheville we encourage you to vote in October and November.
*SHAC as an organization does not endorse any specific candidate, though our individual members may. The candidates' answers will be provided for informational purposes only.
As a person who has been involved in the housing industry for over 20 years, both as a Realtor and working for a construction company and developer, I know housing fairly well. I know how difficult it is to change people's perceptions and minds. I represented the development of the first senior housing condominium project against much opposition by single family homeowners, only to find that after several years after completion it is in high demand for people to live. Even those that opposed it at the time are now living in the complex. Time and effective education will indeed change people’s attitudes and perception. The fears people have about change – are often totally unwarranted. I am the founding chairman of St. Hope, a nonprofit housing organization, for those unfortunate to find themselves homeless. As a former city councilman in another state, I was the city's representative to the Planning and Zoning Commission. I have heard every negative argument possible. People fear the unknown – that is why education is so important.
As times change, municipalities too must change. Today we face new designs, new concepts, new demands, and new developments – along with new challenges. I am in favor of investigating and discussing all viable options to decrease our housing crisis here in Asheville, including changing density requirements that are outdated and do not meet today's expectations. I have recently completed my Master's degree in Public Administration and my thesis was "Affordable Housing in Asheville." Not only have I have spent most of my life in the housing business, I have more experience in the housing industry, than any other council candidate. I have several friends across the country, who are advocates of tiny homes, and we speak about the benefits and challenges that niche has in today's world. I have also sat down on many occasions and spoke to people here in WNC who are developing and pushing micro living. Not only am I an advocate of reduced square footage but also an advocate of energy star savings in current and future homes. We need to remove barriers currently in our city ordinances that limit creativity and change but at the same time managing change and preserving everyone's investment.
As in any change or new adventure, there will be issues like zoning, code enforcement, legality, and the biggest issue – education. I am a strong advocate of manufactured housing but there is a stigma tied to it and it's entirely wrong. To add to that problem, terminology fluctuates from state to state, region to region, causing one person to be in favor of a concept in one state but opposed to it in another state strictly thru definition and terminology.
What Asheville needs to do is explore all options on the table and as councilman that is what I will do. Decisions made must be for the benefit of the city, its current residents, and not jeopardize or hurt their investment. At the same time, residents of the city must understand that what worked in the 1960's, 70's, and 80's, just doesn’t work today. We must be visionary, open to change, manage that change, and move forward for the benefit of all the residents of Asheville.
You can find out more about Grady's campaign at his website.
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