Roland Menestres: Use Rex site for affordable housing

Regarding the Dec. 21 news article “At Wade and St. Mary’s, a dream site”: Concerning the old Rex Hospital sale, I do understand the temptation for the state to make as much money as possible out of its sale but there are times when vision needs to override crass profit.

Do we really need one more commercial center or one more high-rise when the state and city could work together for the greater good, for those state and city employees who toil for us but can’t afford to live where they serve anymore?

That same lot could be built into affordable housing for our police officers, firefighters, teachers and other underpaid employees who give us so much and get so little in return. Yes, it would take some political fortitude to forgo such easy money, especially under pressure from eager and influential developers, but our city’s future and life quality do depend on such brave actions way more than on getting another office site or another few dollars.

This story was originally published December 25, 2016 at 6:00 PM with the headline "Roland Menestres: Use Rex site for affordable housing."