A Baltimore County councilman?s complaints about an affordable housing shortage sparked a feud and accusations of political grandstanding Tuesday.
Councilman Vince Gardina is proposing a task force to examine the “scarcity” of moderately priced housing in Baltimore County.
Gardina, a Perry Hall Democrat, said county-backed demolition of low-income apartment housing has displaced poor families and reduced the availability of housing for the elderly and young professionals.
“There are 25-year-olds, 26-year-olds who graduate from college, get their first job, work for a couple of years, and can?t even afford an older town house in Perry Hall or any other area they are looking in,” Gardina said. “I?m sure it?s an issue that is fairly prevalent in everyone?s district.”
The proposal drew sharp criticism from Pikesville Democrat Kevin Kamenetz, who called Gardina?s proposal a subtle push for subsidies for private developers. Many who think they can?t afford a house in Baltimore County haven?t explored all of their options, Kamenetz said.
“All we?re doing is opening a Pandora?s box,” he said.
Gardina accused Kamenetz of “distorting” his proposal for media exposure, saying, “You can tell it?s an election year coming up.”
Kamenetz termed that comment “gratuitous” and asked Gardina if he was done with his “diatribe” before Gardina stormed from the room.
Other lawmakers said the county has supported affordable-housing projects.
Mary Harvey, director of the county?s Office of Community Conservation, said all families moved during the redevelopment of apartment complexes in Essex, Middle River and Dundalk have been placed in new homes.
“I don?t want anyone walking away from this table thinking we?ve displaced people,” Harvey said. “We have been very successful in finding alternative accommodations.”
