LETTER: Lack of affordable housing creating worker shortage
There's an elephant in the parlor. It's called the "lack of affordable housing." Yeah, I know, you hear politicians talk about it all the time, but nothing ever gets done.
All you see are these large apartment complexes being built. But, I'm sorry, a one-bedroom apartment for $2,200 a month is not what I call affordable housing.
The local workforce is getting "pushed" out of town thus creating a worker shortage. The equation is simple: housing shortage = worker shortage.
Years ago, the state started the Sadowski Fund (no relation). The fund was set up to provide money to build affordable housing. Sadly, over the years, much of the money was "diverted" to other projects. The politicians in Tallahassee need to get it together.
All businesses seem to be affected by the worker shortage, but it's most evident in our hospitality industry. It's hard to find a hotel or restaurant that isn't understaffed.
And, no, it's not because of the pandemic and unemployment benefits making everybody lazy. It's because the workers can't find a place to live.
The state quickly needs to make affordable housing a priority.
Mark my words. If things don't change, "going out of business" signs will be all over town.
I give it three years.
I hope I'm wrong. I like living here.
—Dean Sadowski, Miramar Beach