What are the results of the public meetings?
First, opinions expressed at the three public meetings on January 17 and 20, 2008 were unanimously in favor of saving the school building for public use. People agreed that the need for all kinds of housing is urgent. Senior housing was given a lower priority, especially as two different developers of federally subsidized housing stated that they would have to raze the school in order to make a minimally profitable development. Highest interest was in housing for lower-income professionals—nurses, teachers, etc.–who are priced out of the Southern Humboldt market and make too much to qualify for workforce housing. A mixed development that would create rentals and moderately priced starter homes received the most support, followed by federally funded workforce housing. For a more in depth look at the meetings click HERE.
