Utah has been struggling with housing for some time now and a new idea has been brought upon Utah, which will help with the housing crisis. This is a big topic right now for people looking for housing in Utah and how expensive it is. The plan is to preserve old buildings and be able to provide housing. The Salt Lake Tribune states, “According to the Utah Foundation report household incomes only rose by about 20% from 1985 to 2021. But home prices increased by 90% in that same time.”
In an interview with Tuner Bittion, who is the founder of SLC Neighbors 4 More Neighbors, which is an organization who focus on two types of housing, and they are affordable and attainable housing to those to be able to live and be able to own a home. Bittion stated, “The American Dream is being able to own a home and being able to retire, etc. However, it is something many cannot do because of how expensive housing is right now.” However, with this housing crisis it is extremely hard, especially with zoning where specific people can live in these communities with a certain wealth.
However, when Bittion was asked about why they support this plan, Bittion stated, “The reason we support this is due to the historic landmarks. It brings a lot of value to those neighborhoods where they are placed.” For example, a church that is not used anymore but it has immense value where it is in a neighborhood. Bittion also stated, “These buildings we want them to be reused and able to provide housing everywhere. With these buildings that are old, it is better to be able to rebuild then just tear down to build something else.”
Why it is important to find different ways to help this crisis and think outside the box is so that these buildings can be able to provide many different homes for people, Bittion stated, “Due to the housing crisis everything we can do to make a difference will be able to help create a higher opportunity to others and anything we can do makes a difference. With this these places are in areas where there are healthy communities to live in and be able to be in good schools.”
Then Bittion was asked why it is important to provide housing through these rebuilding’s, “Because of many varied reasons. Some are being able to be part of a healthy community space for people to the where they are walkable and even have good air quality. Also, with schools that can provide a good education and have the same opportunities.” Through this it became very equal to everyone being able to reach the goal of having a home and not wealth, the only thing getting in the way because Bittion also stated, “Being able to open opportunities to everyone of race and social background.”
Why this such a critical issue to be worried about is due to what Bittion stated many times in his interview which is the history those buildings. He also said, “We have a history of race! All neighbors are open to anyone but due to zoning it makes the wealth gap a noticeable factor when it comes to finding that forever home. With housing sustainability zoning, the wealth gap continues to occur and with a lower income it closes those doors on them.”
Through rebuilding these old buildings, it is also helping the environment due to not having to tear them down and start over and be able to hurt the environment even more but be able to use the opportunity to be able to grow the communities of Salt Lake City.
