Thursday, December 15, 2011

Mission Impossible?

HUD claims their mission is 'to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all'.  It's to be expected then, 'Affordable homes for all' does NOT EXCLUDE:  full-time employees of the corporate landlords who commit fraud, drug dealers, ex-cons, perverts, and practicing substance abusers.  What makes me say this? ...Because this describes some of the residents receiving affordable housing at Rockland Place dba SpringGate Apartments in Rockland, Massachusetts.  Some of the unethical or illegal acts on this property are assisted by authorities.
     HUD insists they are working to strengthen the housing market to 'bolster the economy and protect consumers'.  Huh?   Truth be told, most legitimate consumers are NOT protected in subsidized housing.  When legitimate tenants of the HUD-subsidized Rockland Place reported violations, and then, the ongoing retaliations by lobbying corporate landlords and management, HUD did not protect the innocent taxpayers, renters, or consumers.  Furthermore, the deceptive text on HUD's website misleads a consumer to believe they will be protected by HUD's rules and regulations and by state and federal law, but these are rarely enforced for consumers of subsidized housing.  Residing in this type of housing is truly a disempowering experience for legitimate consumers who, all too often, get treated with contempt and disrespect.  As one subsidized property manager explained, "We can do whatever we want."  AND   "You can lay on your back for repairs."
      I can recognize that subsidized housing bolsters and enriches those involved in certain corporate partnerships, but does it honestly bolster the economy?  The key word here is honestly.
        As far as,  'HUD utilizing housing as a platform for improving quality of life, and building inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination' ....  If you're able to imagine being wrongfully convicted and then having to pay rent to an abusive prison facility with corrupt guards in control, then you'll have a better understanding of the real 'quality of life' in subsidized housing. The type of subsidized housing, that exists on Martha Drive and Hannah Way in Rockland, has proven itself to be a nightmare, not only to the honorable American taxpayer, but to the truly needy and vulnerable tenants who become further victimized with a systematic approach to lose more American rights and freedoms through corruption, cronyism, and socialism.
        By the way, more subsidized housing is being developed in South Weymouth.   It all sounds so beautiful and wonderful and nice, especially when Americans are desperate for jobs and housing.  I have to wonder though .... Is creating larger developments really the best solution to resolve the homeless and unemployment crisis in the USA? Let's not forget, developers, corporate partnerships, and politicians have a tendency to make promises they don't keep, especially when big money is involved.  Usually, newly built, privately-owned; yet, government-financed housing complexes stay nice for 10-15 years. Then illegal drug deals and an increase in crime usually become major problems to frustrated residents who are too disempowered by large corporations, partnerships, and their powerful lobbyists.
       According to Thomas Grillo's detailed article in the Boston Business Journal:  Southfield will feature 2,855 apartments and homes and 2 million square feet of commercial and retail space. The development will also include more than 1,000 acres of parks and dedicated open space, a links style golf course, and a $20 million sports and recreation complex.  The $2.5 billion project is expected to result in 6,000 construction jobs, 4,000 permanent jobs and represents one of the biggest hubs of job growth and economic activity in the Bay State, the developer said. Governor Deval Patrick's administration has invested $45 million to construct the East-West Parkway, a regional transit improvement connecting Routes 3 and 18. Congress has pledged $8 million for other transit improvements. Southfield Highlands, the community’s first residential neighborhood near the on-site South Weymouth commuter rail station, is under development and is expected to result in 1,400 construction jobs and 80 permanent jobs.  Construction has begun on 226 units of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes being developed by John M. Corcoran and Co.  Negotiations over the future of the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station, which was closed in 1997 by the Pentagon, have dragged on for more than a decade. South Shore Tri-Town Development, a semi-independent agency, was formed in 1998 to oversee development of the 1,400-acre site.  In 2002, the agency selected LNR Property LLC to serve as the master developer.
     Do American citizens, at least, have the right to know every individual name affiliated to these corporate names?  And, if not, why?

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