Thank you, Dan Armentano, for your letter to the editor titled “Henson an exceptional public servant.”
It is difficult to describe all of the many accomplishments Eva Henson, former Housing Innovation manager, was able to achieve during her relatively short time within the newly created city of Durango Housing Division. For those who were blessed enough to work alongside her, it was impossible to ignore her fierce and energetic dedication to the Durango community and the city’s struggle to provide affordable workforce housing.
Working with HomesFund just a few months ago, Henson overhauled the dated 2009 Fair Share Inclusionary Zoning Program to further incentivize developers to include affordable housing units in their projects. The amendments she wrote will potentially collect over $800,000 in additional fair share in lieu funds for local mortgage assistance programs.
Affordable housing is a key problem for many residents of Durango, including city employees. It is not surprising to see city employees apply for the sale of affordable housing units, including a deed-restricted unit being sold by the city.
Given the scope of the purported transgression and lack of a “smoking gun” as reported by The Durango Herald, does this leave the “issue” to be that a city employee qualified for the affordable housing unit? After all, isn’t it a part of the city and City Council’s strategic plan to make housing a priority for the local workforce community?
Henson was a diamond among stones, a sparkle the city has now lost.
Jaclyn Cox
Durango
