Hot Springs to host affordable housing presentation, panel discussion
Hot Springs to host affordable housing presentation, panel discussion Citizen Times
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Access to Housing in Hot Springs: A Pathway to Sustainable Development
Introduction
In Hot Springs, North Carolina, access to housing is a pressing issue that the town is actively addressing. The newly formed Hot Springs Citizens Committee’s affordable housing subcommittee is taking the lead in tackling this issue.
Pathways to Housing in Hot Springs: A Public Panel Discussion
On June 24, the Hot Springs Citizens Committee’s affordable housing subcommittee will host a public panel discussion event titled “Pathways to Housing in Hot Springs.” The event aims to raise awareness and educate the community about home ownership and rental availability in Hot Springs.
Panelists
- Mayor Abby Norton
- Ben Houser, Hot Springs zoning administrator and contractor with Appalachian Construction Group
- Chris Eastman, State Employees Credit Union
- Ken Kashuba, Madison County Planning Board member
- Melanie Prater, Hot Springs Housing Authority Executive Director
- Steve and Cindy Dubose, owners of Mountain Home Properties, a local real estate agency
The Importance of Affordable Housing
During a candidate town hall meeting, the Hot Springs Town Board candidates discussed the significance of affordable housing in the town. The “Pathways to Housing in Hot Springs” event will address this issue by focusing on topics such as homeownership, renting, new construction, financing, zoning, and funding opportunities through state programs.
The Impact of Real Estate Sales
Real estate sales in Madison County, including Hot Springs, have experienced a significant increase. Cindy DuBose, a local real estate agent, has observed a surge in sales and a decrease in available properties. This trend highlights the need for affordable housing solutions in the area.
The Workshop Findings: Sustainable Growth and Community Values
A workshop conducted by the Construction Professionals Network Institute and Appalachian State University’s Department of Geography and Planning revealed that Hot Springs residents prioritize sustainable growth and shared community values. The workshop report emphasized the importance of balancing growth and cost control while advocating for more affordable housing options.
The Role of the Affordable Housing Subcommittee
The affordable housing subcommittee, a part of the Hot Springs Citizens Committee, has been actively working on addressing the housing issue. The subcommittee’s first public meeting on June 24 will provide an opportunity for community engagement.
Challenges and Solutions
Affordable housing is a complex challenge that requires comprehensive solutions. While the issue of abandoned properties is a concern, the panel discussion will primarily focus on public housing options, including Section 8 housing. The event will feature Melanie Prater from the Hot Springs Housing Authority, who will provide insights into these housing programs.
Event Details
The “Pathways to Housing in Hot Springs” event will take place on June 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Hot Springs Community Center.
Johnny Casey has covered Madison County for The Citizen Times and The News-Record & Sentinel for three years. He earned a first-place award in beat news reporting in the 2023 North Carolina Press Association awards. He can be reached at 828-210-6074 or jcasey@citizentimes.com.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums
- Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries
- Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing
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SDG 1: No Poverty
- Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance
- Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities |
|
Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing |
| SDG 1: No Poverty |
|
Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure |
Analysis
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Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 1: No Poverty.
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What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Under SDG 11, the specific targets identified are Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums, and Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
- Under SDG 1, the specific target identified is Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance.
-
Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing can be used to measure progress towards Target 11.1.
- Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure can be used to measure progress towards Target 1.4.
Source: citizen-times.com
