Housing need identified

Oconee’s chief economic development recruiter says as the county goes about creating jobs, it’s nearly as important to ensure that those people who gain those jobs have adequate housing. Affordable housing was a chief topic last night as Richard Blackwell of the Economic Alliance made a presentation to the Oconee Planning Commission. Planning commissioner Bozo Richards sought to find out a cost range for housing that’ll be required by those who secure manufacturing or other types of jobs that the Alliance is successful in helping recruit. Blackwell says he can’t identify a range, but he is confident the county needs affordable housing—including more apartments. One thing Blackwell, Richards and others at last night’s meeting agreed on is that lakefront homes valued at $275 thousand and higher serve a good purpose, but they aren’t the kinds of jobs that those earning $40 thousand a year will be able to afford.