Harlem and Chinook hear final results from housing studies

Last week the Chinook and Harlem City Councils heard a summary of the final draft of the housing study conducted by KLJ Engineering. The housing report was one of the final steps in a study of current and future needs for housing development and how those needs can be met. The study was done in Harlem, Chinook and Malta.

Forrest Sanderson, with KLJ Engineering, presented the final draft of the housing needs study. The study was the result of a multi-month housing assessment by KLJ and input from several public hearings. Sanderson said the final study results, with edits from the most recent public hearings, would be available in about 10 days. The study gives policy makers in each city a summary of housing challenges and suggests tools to provide more options for housing.

Housing study findings

In opening remarks, Sanderson said, "There is renewed interest from people wanting to live in smaller communities. This interest, especially for Harlem and Chinook, means there will be a continued demand for housing in both communities." He added, "Each community has its own unique challenges to meet continued demands for housing."

Sanderson noted, "The age of Chinook residents is well balanced." He added, "Some cities are facing large numbers of retirees or many young families. When there is a disproportionate number of one age group it complicates the process of meeting current and future housing needs."

The study concludes with a description of various tools cities can use to attract new housing development. Chinook Mayor Keith Hanson said, "I found the possible tools for use by policy makers to be the most useful part of the study. There are ways we can encourage new home development."

In Harlem, Mayor Bill Taylor said, "We heard the final report but haven't had a chance to discuss the findings and recommendations as a council." Taylor added, "The consultant did say Harlem was in a unique situation because of its proximity and relationship with the Fort Belknap community."

The study concluded there would be less effect from an aging population in Harlem than in the other two communities. Taylor said, "The study showed Harlem will maintain its population level with a continued need for family housing." He has seen some additional interest in people wanting to move to Harlem.

Sanderson, the consultant with the engineering firm that did the housing survey, concluded, "There is no 'silver-bullet' for solving housing needs. Policy makers can make growth plans that encourage growth in the best interests of the entire city. Sometimes simply streamlining the process developers must follow to build new housing units will stimulate the kind of growth that benefits both the city and people desiring housing."