Take on Fresno’s housing crisis

Regarding the story “Fresno expands blight-fighting efforts to more school neighborhoods” (online Oct. 17):

Thank you, Fresno City Councilmember Oliver Baines. You’re right! We need more holistic approaches to address Fresno’s complex and hard-hitting issues. I’m willing to do my part and hundreds of residents are willing, too.

The city should be keen to work with and listen to residents and come up with solutions that restore more parts of our city. So, why stop here?

Fresno is more than just these 14 neighborhoods. Let’s keep the momentum going and use the same holistic approach to take on Fresno’s housing crisis, and create healthier and affordable housing options for all Fresnans.

Let’s use the $70 million coming to Fresno to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in our most polluted neighborhoods and work on projects that truly transform our community.

Fresno’s complex problems require complex solutions – and residents want to take part and make a difference. It’s time to include them.

This story was originally published November 10, 2016 at 3:48 PM with the headline "Take on Fresno’s housing crisis."