Winnetka is known for its lush wildlife, beautiful lakeshore beaches and great schools. More notably, Winnetka is notorious for its lack of diversification between races and monetary classes, with 93% of residents listed as white, a median household income of around $200,000 and median property value of about $1 million. Winnetka (along with other North Shore suburbs) is one of the few neighborhoods in the country who hasn't been hit hard by these down economic times.
Because of this, many residents feel like the village has enough money to build houses that are affordable to less fortunate families. Owner-occupied houses will be built to sustain a family who makes at least $75,000 a year and rented houses will sustain families with an income of at least $45,000. Supporters feel like the "social good" of this plan is far more important than the possibility of a rise in taxes or a lowering of surrounding property values. Opposers are scared of the possibility of rising crime rates and feel like the government should not get involved in providing houses in such a high-end area to those who simply can't afford to live there on their own.
American values are definitely at stake here. Our nation is known for always offering a helping hand to those in need. If a natural disaster occurs halfway across the globe, we are always the first to send aid. When citizens of an oppressed country spark up a civil war, we are always joining the fight or sending weapons/ammunition to help support those trying to overthrow the dictator. At the same time, we are always looking out for our best interests above all else. We rarely join a conflict if there isn't some sort of benefit for us.
That being said, should Winnetka follow through with their plans of making affordable housing out of good will and to promote a sense of community? Or should they look out for their best interests and not put themselves in a position where tax and crime rates could potentially be higher than they are now?
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