ADUs make sense for critical service providers

Are you a homeowner who hires others? Do you ever wonder where your mom’s caregiver, maid or landscaper lives? How about where your children’s teacher or school janitor or coach lives? Your dog groomer or hairstylist? Your auto mechanic or your favorite checkout clerk at the grocery store?

Odds are they don’t live near you, because they cannot afford to.

They are effectively excluded from your community, even as you hire them to perform some of the most critical and personal services imaginable.

Annapolis City Council is considering a bill to allow the creation of Accessory Dwelling Units (also commonly known as granny flats or in-law suites). ADUs by their small size and placement inside or next to a primary home, are more sustainable in our era of climate change and more affordable. They provide flexible housing choices for seniors, caregivers, teachers, clerks, and also provide essential income and often companionship for cash-strapped and sometimes lonely homeowners as well.

Many of you are proudly displaying signs saying “We Support Our Front Line Heroes”. We all know they aren’t paid enough. We also know their incomes will always remain low. What better way to support our heroes than to encourage them to live in affordable homes within our welcoming communities?

So ask yourself: “If she’s good enough to work for me, isn’t she good enough to live next to me?”

Greg Cantori, Annapolis