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The recent purchase of the Jenson property, with its restriction requiring that the property be used for a public purpose, presents a valuable opportunity for the town and its residents. I’ve heard of a few uses of the property are being discussed, including tiny homes, green space or a park.

I’d like to suggest another use: taking advantage of the purchase to provide affordable housing units in La Conner. While affordable housing is a goal in our Comprehensive Plan, it has never made its way into the municipal code and hasn’t been a priority for any administration since 1995, when Dan O’Donnell was mayor and broad community support led to the establishment of Channel Cove.

I encourage the Council to give some (even serious) consideration to inviting Skagit Habitat for Humanity to prepare a proposal and plan for developing affordable housing on the property. I’m confident Skagit Habitat and its community partners would be interested in working with the Town to prepare such a plan.

Further, the town council needs to explore the possibility of helping arrange the purchase of property to the south of the Jenson property. A portion of that property is bounded on the south by Pioneer Highway and likely has limited other uses. It might be available for a purchase, potentially increasing the area available for additional housing units.

Thanks

Bob Raymond

La Conner