Saturday, November 10, 2007

It's a shame that builders who snapped up low-cost housing to turn it into upscale condominiums are letting these properties languish because of the changing real estate market. ["Low-Cost Housing Eliminated, but Nothing Built in Its Place," Metro, Nov. 5].

The economy may go up and down, but the need for affordable homes keeps climbing. During the more than 30 years we've been building affordable housing in the mid-Atlantic region, the demand has jumped dramatically. In the past seven years in Arlington, for instance, the amount of affordable housing stock has dropped 50 percent.

The changing real estate market offers communities an opportunity to make affordable housing a priority. Costs will continue to rise, and building homes will continue to be expensive. But the real cost to our region is the exodus of the teachers, firefighters, first-time homeowners, seniors, and many others who add to the heart and soul of a community -- but who can't afford to call our area their home.

WALTER D. WEBDALE

President and Chief Executive

AHC Inc.

Arlington