(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

To the Editor,

Somerville’s housing costs are beyond the reach of many of the city’s employees. Our city would function more equitably and efficiently if city employees could live in Somerville.

I would like to propose a policy change that might mitigate this problem.

A small percentage of the Somerville housing stock is designated as “affordable housing” (Inclusionary Affordable Housing and Rental Program) and can only be purchased or rented by people whose income is below a specified threshold.

I would suggest that the city’s “essential” employees (e.g. teachers, firefighters, police, sanitation workers, and some others,) whose salary exceeds the affordable housing specified income limits but is below Somerville’s median income be consider as “automatically qualified” to apply for Somerville’s affordable housing units.

This policy change would make Somerville safer by keeping essential employees closer to our community, assist the city in its employee recruiting and retention efforts, and promote a more equitable city.

Hayward Zwerling
Somerville