Western adding to rooming house issue

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Western Washington University officials, in their infinite wisdom, have decided to rent the New York Apartments (920 22nd St.) to solve some of their near-campus housing demands. But they overlooked one slight fact: WWU students already reside there and will be displaced.

Not having a Ph.D., but only a M.S. (in quantitative methods and statistics), I fail to see how this solves any problems. It only creates more problems, as I view it. Or am I not focusing on this correctly?

This “bold” move by WWU will undoubtedly create another 15 to 20 new “illegal rooming houses” and place further stress in the local community. Where do you suppose all the displaced (WWU) tenants are going to live?

Also, these 3 bedroom, (currently) $990 per month apartments were ideal “affordable” housing for younger wage earners; now they are no longer available.

Bellingham City Council, be forewarned. You’ll be hearing further outcries from many of us. How are youreffortscoming insolvingthisproblemthatyou’vebeenawareofforquitesometime?Whenmight we see some results?

Rick Chartrand
Bellingham

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