Friday, October 18, 2013

LAUNDERING

From Lundermac to Mac-Gray, from MacGray to Coinmach, these companies provide coin-operated washers and dryers at Rockland Place and other HUD-financed housing complexes.  Coinmach Service Corp. (CSC), is acquiring the laundry services company of Mac-Gray.  CSC has a family of companies including: Coinmach, ASI Campus Laundry Solutions, Appliance Warehouse of America, Super Laundry and AirValetCSC ServiceWorks Inc. has agreed to buy the WalthamMA based laundry services company Mac-Gray Corp. in a deal valued at $524 million. CSC is located in Plainville, NY.

Speaking of big money, Neil H. Ellis of First Hartford Corp and his partners in crime at Rockland Place dba Spring Gate Apartments have requested another rent increase from MHFA or MassHousing (whatever they're calling themselves these days).  In most cases, these corporate landlords usually receive whatever they request from their pals at MassHousing.  The reasons provided to tenants for the need to raise rents again include: 1. increased cost of water and sewer due to the replacement of 1 of 3 water meters on site; 2. planned Capital Improvements including a security camera system and replacement of bathtubs; 3. increase operating costs that include adding a full-time position of a Resident Service Coordinator to the property staff and adding Contracted Security Services; 4. increase deposits to the Replacement Reserve Escrow to meet the future Capital Needs of the property.  The rent increase meeting takes place at the community room on Tuesday, 10-22-13 at 6:00 pm.
     Drug deals and violence continue to exist at this HUD-financed "affordable housing" complex in Rockland, MA even while their contracted security company hides out at the rental office. Reports of children being molested on this property are allegedly being investigated by Rockland Police. (It wouldn't be the first time a sex offender lived here.)
     It's obvious that quality of life and safety for legitimate residents along Martha Drive and Hannah Way is of little priority to government agencies and corporate landlords.  Multifamily housing is more about illegal drugs, cover-ups, tax credits, money, lobbyists, and political ties. Peculiar business listings inside this 204-unit subsidized housing complex read like a money laundering scheme.

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