To the editor:

In the article “Bridge Road complex to break ground” published on June 21, it was stated that a 144-apartment complex will break ground soon.

I think it is great that Suffolk is building up its population, which will increase revenue for the city. Suffolk is a wonderful place to live and raise a family.

However, while numerous multifamily units are being built in North Suffolk, what is the city is doing to improve affordable housing in the downtown areas of Suffolk?
According to the website city-data.com, many of the citizens residing in downtown Suffolk are living below the national poverty level. A staggering 59.5 percent live below poverty rate in the West Jericho neighborhood alone. Other neighborhoods in the surrounding areas range from 16.8 to 39.9 percent below the poverty level.

Looking at that same website, the data provided for North Suffolk with the poorest area showing only a little over 8 percent of its residents living below the poverty level.

Yet we are still building up the northern section of the city, nearly neglecting the areas of the city in most desperate need of affordable places to live.
As a concerned downtown citizen, I am not able to provide a sound recommendation of how to rectify this issue, other than improved planning, community development and engagement by city leaders.

We need an improved economic status for the entire city, especially the downtown residents.

Amy Flowers

Suffolk