|
TRI-
June 8, 2009
Editorial
Migrant worker housing sounds like good solution
Suitable housing for seasonal farmworkers has always been a challenge.
Years ago, many farms had their own housing complexes that were used
each spring as waves of migrant workers flooded the region to help
harvest labor-intensive crops like asparagus and cherries.
You can still see the remnants of many of these housing sites if you
drive out Taylor Flats Road in Franklin County. But most were shut down
long ago as maintenance and sanitation issues put the seasonal housing
operations to an end. And true migrant workers became fewer and farther
between as more Mexican immigrants settled in our region year-round.
But there's still a circuit for workers willing to travel from state to
state following the crop season. And there's something to be said for
having a commute of less than two or three hours for those who are
living in other parts of our state.
Many seasonal workers have set up camp in years past at Ringold along
the Columbia River. But the camping area has no facilities and
sanitation and garbage became issues, as makeshift tent homes sprang up
there. Conflicts with fisherman using the same area to launch their
boats were reported as well.
To find a better solution for the seasonal workers, the Franklin County
Farm Bureau recently purchased 10 acres near the Road 170 and Ringold
Road intersection with plans to put a 100-bed housing facility there.
The project does not require approval from the county commission, but
nearby residents have voiced their opposition.
Many of those opposing the project are farmers, but we're guessing their
crops don't require the use of seasonal laborers. If they did, they
probably would be happy that their employees had actual housing to live
in, rather than the controversial camp at Ringold.
Opponents say they are worried about traffic accidents, increased labor
costs and an increase in crime related to drugs, fights, rapes and
homicides.
Wow. It sounds like these opponents are quick to label an entire group
of people as just plain horrible folks. Hasty generalization anyone?
The workers are already in Franklin County, squatting where they can and
staying with friends and family if they're able. And we're not hearing
the kind horror stories that would give credit to any of the fears
expressed by neighbors of the project. If anything, it would cut down on
the number of cars commuting north from Pasco early each morning, which
should alleviate some of the potential for accidents.
The housing development would be composed of duplexes. An on-site
manager would oversee the facility, and residents would be required to
sign leases. Sounds like standard stuff.
But opponents already say supervision would be inadequate and that law
enforcement is limited in the area.
It sounds like a classic not-in-my-backyard argument. Isn't it better to
provide housing with showers and bathrooms and a sewer system than
allowing people to camp with inadequate facilities just down the road?
The people who will use the new housing complex are a vital part of our
agricultural economy. Without workers, the crops can't be harvested and
everybody loses, starting with the farmer.
Let the Farm Bureau move forward. Not many groups have been willing to
tackle the challenge of housing for seasonal workers. We have confidence
they'll do it right. Give it a chance.
|