Tuesday night, the Winchester Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to donate a currently unused parcel of land it owns on the north side of town for a great cause.

The two and half acres on Cook Avenue were donated to Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties, which plans to build nine single-family homes on the property.

Affordable and decent housing has long been a concern for this group of city commissioners who have served together for six years now. The topic arose often during forum discussions during the most recent election season. We applaud the commissioners for proving their concern is legitimate by making this donation.

Habitat has done great work in Clark County, especially over the past three years, to provide a path to homeownership for local families.

This project, if seen through, has the potential to provide a brighter and more financially stable future for these families.

It also adds to the aesthetic value and potentially the economic value of the neighborhoods surrounding the project and the entire community.

The city has owned and maintained the property, which was previously rezoned for residential use. By making this donation, the city also releases itself of the cost of maintenance on property that previously didn’t have a purpose.

From all aspects — fiscally to socially — this was a smart and generous move on the city’s part.

The project could take up to four years to complete, but that wait seems worthwhile when thinking of the longterm value it adds to Winchester and Clark County.