LCDC: Exposure not very positive

“LCDC Seeks More Exposure” — really? It’s been almost impossible to get accurate information about LCDC’s Midtown “mixed-use affordable housing” development. It’s a low-income housing project which will be “policed” (their word) by a government contractor. It’s also a tax shelter. For whom?

The financing comes from the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program. Federal law requires this 40-unit project, squeezed onto the corner of 4th and Roosevelt, to be low-income housing for at least 30 years. LCDC’s “partner,” The Housing Company, isn’t really a company, by the way. It’s part of an agency that administers federal programs. The Housing Company has zero experience building or leasing commercial space. LCDC has zero experience with low-income housing. What could possibly go wrong with their joint experiment at Midtown’s expense?

Midtown must not matter much to LCDC. Over 150 Midtown residents and business owners signed a petition opposing the project but “community partner” LCDC has ignored and/or belittled them. Now LCDC is spending tax dollars to “reposition” itself as a “community partner” by “updating its image.” LCDC’s marketing guy, Adam Graves, admits LCDC is perceived as “operating in the shadows.” LCDC’s arrogance/misrepresentations about the Midtown LIHTC project exemplify its poor civic behavior.

During the Dec. 17 meeting, Commissioner Goodlander rightly observed that LCDC forgets “how important the public is.” Want to improve LCDC’s image (and legacy) without wasting tax money? Engage with Midtown on substance, not show.

AMY LYONS

GREGG JOHNSON

Coeur d’Alene