Affortable Housing Joke

Affordable housing has become the political equivalent of going to the gym: everyone says they’re committed, everyone buys the Lululemon outfit, and absolutely

 no one shows up.

Politicians in the Lehigh Valley adore the housing crisis because it’s the perfect problem. It’s existential in Allentown, it’s big, it’s dramatic, and best of all, it cannot be solved in a single term—ideal for endless promises with zero follow‑through. 

It’s the perfect political prop—always there, always tragic, always ready for its close‑up. And until solving it becomes more rewarding than talking about it, we’ll keep getting promises instead of apartments.  

These politicians use this to get votes knowing damn well its bullshit.  No builder is going to build houses cheaper so poorer people can afford them.  Supplies keep going up as well.

Only HUD housing is “affordable”, because the tenants will never own the residence and they are built cheap.  

The fact of the matter is, there is limited space to build on in the city of Allentown.  Then to build a single residence even 1500sq/ft is going to cost atleast $200,000 plus the land it is built on.  The mortgage on $200k with taxes is easily $1600-$1800.  So one would have to make around $65,000 to afford this with the current rates.  Um the medium income in Allentown, just a guess is no more than $30,000.  So why is this pipe dream on the forefront of everyones promises?  

Ana Tiburcio, a new Democratic candidate…but another politically connected individual who is related to Cynthia Mota will run for Josh Siegel's seat. Ana has already started running the affordable housing script from the playbook that many before her used and claims that she will fight for affordable housing.  Yes, please explain what you are going to do?  Build the homes yourself? 

 

Allentown really deserves a departure from the same tired group running politics.  Ana claims she will fight for affordable housing, but like those before her she will find simply saying those words is easier than putting them into action. 

It’s getting old to hear the same old promises, but common practice in PA politics and certainly the golden standard in Allentown. 

😤 

#Housing #Politics #Promises #Reality #Allentown