REMARKS BY Howard County Executive James N. Robey in support of the need to increase affordable housing were pleasing to those who agree. What was left unsaid, however, may be more important. Mr. Robey last week endorsed a goal of the county housing department to increase affordable housing, but he offered no suggestions about how to proceed.

In years past, affordable-housing proponents suggested requiring developers to include a percentage of units for low- and middle-income families in their subdivisions. However, with the recent decline in housing construction in Howard that stipulation won't suffice. Only 983 residential lots were recorded between October 1997 and September 1998, compared to 2,936 residential lots during the same period a year earlier.

Mr. Robey said he was willing to allow developers to increase the density in their new subdivisions if they include more affordable housing, similar to a long-standing program in Montgomery County. But with only a few large housing developments in the pipeline, that strategy must be coupled with a plan to revitalize older communities that already offer housing below market prices.

Councilman Allan H. Kittleman keeps saying the county has enough affordable housing. Perhaps he has ideas to bring more people to the neighborhoods he has in mind. Some have become shabby as they age, other suffer from perceptions that they are unsafe and have poor schools. What does Mr. Kittleman suggest to improve the vitality of these communities so they become more popular to families of varying income?

As the council, planning and housing officials work with Mr. Robey on the county's next General Plan, more emphasis must be placed on development in existing communities. They may offer the best opportunity to increase affordable housing options.