To the editor:
In reading about the proposed $80 million dollars for a new arena complex, I am wondering if this money would be better spent on developing affordable housing.
Prior to the last municipal election, a member of the city council told me that homeless people are being housed at the Knight's Inn. To quote him "$100,000 dollars per month of taxpayer's money is being used."
We have at least one group in the city buying up buildings, then renovating with grants and other dollars given to them. They rent a couple of apartments at a subsidized rate and the rest at the current market value or better. The buildings are then sold at a profit.
I don't believe we need another arena or a complex that will be even more costly to average-income families. As for other sports, there are already places that offer them as well as outdoor courts by the bus depot.
What is more urgent, in my way of thinking, is fixing this ongoing problem.
Patricia Kelly
North Bay
