State House Candidates Talk Affordable Housing

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Economic development groups say one thing holding southwest Michigan back from more robust growth is a shortage of affordable housing. During a forum with the five primary candidates for Michigan House in the 38th District on Thursday, those in the running were asked how to address the shortage. Republican George Lucas said there needs to be more options for housing.

“From a state standpoint, we could take a look at zoning laws to allow for smaller homes, smaller square footage homes and higher density,” Lucas said. “I think there also needs to be a chance in attitude for communities.”

Lucas said people say they want affordable housing, but then they complain when someone tries to build it. Republican Kevin Whiteford had a similar idea.

“We have people who want housing, but the local jurisdictions, in some cases, won’t allow it because they have issues in between,” Whiteford said. “I am currently building properties in Berrien County because I want to solve this problem. I’m building houses that are 525 square feet to 1,050 square feet because I think that is the future house.”

Republican Troy Rolling said there’s nothing the state can do to develop more housing due to a shortage of workers. Democrat Joe Andrews said short term rentals need to be reined in and the state should provide a subsidy for the construction of apartments and single-family homes. Democrat Annie Brown said Muskegon buys vacant lots and hires a contractor to build homes. The five are running in the August second primary to be the first representative of the 38th House district.

We’ll have more from the candidates in the days ahead.