Freedom can not ring in an oppressive society. This blog reflects thoughts, personal experiences, + several notes of interest on 'affordable' housing. What do you think of gov't financing nuisance properties? Rockland Place continues doing business as SPRING GATE APARTMENTS along Martha Drive + Hannah Way in Rockland, Mass. (shady business).
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Rockland Place Aids/Abets Illegal Activities
804 CMR 02.00 MCAD Housing
2.01: General Provisions Pertaining to Housing Discrimination
(1) Applicable Law. The Massachusetts Fair Housing statute, as contained in M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4 prohibits discrimination because of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, children, handicap, and receipt of public assistance or housing subsidy in the selling, renting or leasing of housing accommodations, commercial space, or land intended for use as such.
(2) Persons Covered By M.G.L. c 151B, s. 4.
(a) Owners of single family dwellings,multiple family dwellings, commercial space, or land intended for such use are covered by M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4.
(b) Licensed real estate brokers, managing agents, lessees, sublessees, or assignees of such dwellings, commercial space or land are covered by M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4.
(c) Those having right of ownership or possession, or right to rent, lease or sell, or negotiate for the sale or lease of such dwellings, commercial space or land are covered by M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4.
(d) Agents or employees of any person(s) described in 804 CMR 2.01(a), (b) or (c) are covered by M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4.
(e) Any organization of unit owners in a condominium or housing cooperative is covered by M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4.
(f) Those persons who coerce, intimidate, threaten or interfere with another person in the exercise or enjoyment of any right under M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4.
(g) Those persons who directly or indirectly prevent or attempt to prevent the construction, purchase, sale or rental of any dwelling or land covered by M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4.
(h) Those persons who aid or abet in doing any illegal acts specified by 804 CMR 2.00 et seq. are covered by M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4.
(3) Property Covered By M.G.L. c 151B, s. 4.
(a) Virtually all land and housing accommodations in the Commonwealth are covered by M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4. These include, but are not limited to: residentially zoned land and house lots; three family homes; apartments and tenement houses; multi-family dwellings and housing developments; publicly assisted housing; and, single and two family residences intended for sale.
(b) All commercial space, for sale or for rent, and all land intended to be put to commercial use are covered by M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4.
(4) Property Not Covered By M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4. The leasing or rental of units in those two family homes in which the owner occupies one apartment of that home as his residence is not covered by this law unless:
(a) The homeseeker or renter is a recipient of public assistance or housing subsidy; or,
(b) The leasing or rental process utilized the services of a person or organization whose business includes engaging in residental real estate related transactions; or,
(c) The availability of such unit is made known by making, printing, publishing, or causing to be made printed or published any notice, statement, or advertisement with respect to the rental of such a unit that indicates any preference limitation, exclusion or discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, children, marital status, handicap, veteran status, or public assistance or housing subsidy recipiency.
The following text is effective 07/01/93
(5) Unlawful Housing Practices
(a) It is unlawful to refuse to rent or lease or otherwise to deny to or withhold from any person such housing, space or land because of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, children, handicap or receipt of public assistance or housing subsidy.
(b) It is unlawful to discriminate against any person because of his or her race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, children, handicap or receipt of public assistance or housing subsidy in the terms, conditions or privileges of such housing, space or land, or the acquisition thereof, or in the furnishing of facilities and services in connection therewith.
(c) It is unlawful to cause to be made any written or oral inquiry, or record, concerning the race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, veteran status, sexual orientation, martial status or handicap of any person seeking to rent, lease, or buy any such housing, commercial space, or land.
(d) It is unlawful to advertise for rent or for sale any housing, space, or land (vacant or not), or to post a "For Rent" or "For Sale" sign or notice, or to offer or to accept a listing, which advertisement, sign or listing is intended to discriminate against any person or group of persons because of the race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, veteran status of such person or persons, sexual orientation, marital status, children, handicap or receipt of public assistance or housing subsidy.
(6) Examples of Unlawful Housing Practices. Examples of unlawful housing practices include, but are not limited to the following:
(a) To refuse to rent or sell a dwelling, commercial space or land (vacant or not) to a person or group of persons because of their protected status.
(b) To charge a person more for the purchase or rental of a dwelling, commercial space or land because of his or her protected status.
(c) To advertise a dwelling, commercial space or land in any way so as to convey an attitude of discrimination on the basis of a person's protected status.
(d) To falsely deny the availability of a dwelling, commercial space or land because of a person's protected status.
(e) To refuse to permit reasonable modifications to the premises to accommodate a person with a handicap.
(f) To pass an ordinance that unlawfully denies a dwelling, commercial space or land to a person or group of persons because of their protected status.
(g) To refuse to rent to a family with a child or children because the premises do or may contain lead paint.
(h) To publicly or privately make any offering, whether in writing or verbally, in any way, so as to convey an attitude of discrimination on the basis of a person's protected status.
2.02: Housing Discrimination Against Persons with Children
(1) Applicable Law. M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4, subsection 11 prohibits discrimination in the leasing or renting of accommodations to any person because the person has a child or children who shall occupy the premises with such person.
(2) Definition of Children.
(a) For the purposes of 804 CMR 2.02, a child is any individual who has not yet attained the age of 18 years.
(b) For the purposes of 804 CMR 2.02, discrimination against persons with children shall extend to women who are pregnant.
(c) For the purposes of 804 CMR 2.02, discrimination against persons with children shall extend to persons who are in the process of securing legal custody of a child or children.
(3) Examples of Unlawful Practices. Examples of unlawful practices under 804 CMR 2.02(3) include but are not limited to the following:
The following text is effective 07/01/93
(a) Refusing to rent to families with young children because of lead paint in the unit.
(b) Refusing to allow families with young children to live above a certain floor.
(c) Charging a higher rent or security deposit to families with children.
2.03: Housing Discrimination On The Basis Of Handicap
(1) Applicable Law. M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4, subsections 6, 7 and 7A prohibit discrimination in the sale or rental of accommodations to any person because of that person's physical or mental handicap.
(2) Definition of Handicap. Handicap is defined as follows:
(a) A person with a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities include walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working.
(b) A person with a record of having this kind of impairment, or
(c) A person who is perceived as having this kind of impairment.
(3) Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications. Under state law, rules, policies, practices or service delivery must be changed so that people with disabilities can reasonably live in and enjoy the premises, including public and common areas. In addition, an owner must permit a person with a disability to make structural modifications to the building or unit to make them accessible. Under state law, if the dwelling is in a building with ten or more units or it is publicly assisted housing, the owner must pay for the reasonable modifications unless she/he can show that making the changes would cause an "undue hardship." In all other cases, the disabled person must pay for the modifications.
(4) Examples of Reasonable Modifications and Reasonable Accommodations. Examples of reasonable modifications and reasonable accomodations include, but are not limited to the following:
(a) A sight-impaired person could request that raised numbers be put on the mailbox, on the intercom system or in the elevator.
(b) A hearing-impaired person could request that the doorbell flash a light when it is activated, rather than ring.
(c) A person with a mobility impairment could request that a cabinet be lowered, that a doorway be widened, that a grab bar be installed or that a front entrance, of five or fewer steps, be ramped.
(5) New Construction. As of March, 1991, all new residential construction for multi-family dwellings (three or more units) must provide basic access. This includes:
(a) At least one building entrance on an accessible route;
(b) Accessible public paths and other public common areas;
(c) The path of travel into and through the unit (including most balconies and patios) must be accessible;
(d) Doors intended for passage from outside the unit and throughout the unit must be sufficiently wide to allow passage by wheelchair;
(e) Switches, thermostats, environmental controls and electrical outlets in accessible locations;
(f) Bathrooms and kitchens must be able to be maneuvered by persons in wheelchairs.
All units on the ground floor must comply with these criteria, and if there is an elevator, all units served by the elevator must comply. In addition, 5% of all units must be fully wheelchair accessible, and 2% must be fully communication accessible.
Renovations must comply with state architectural access regulations (521 CMR).
2.04: Housing Discrimination in Credit Services or Rental Accommodations--Applicable Law
M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4, subsection 10 prohibits discrimination in the furnishing of credit services, or in the renting of accommodations against an individual who is a recipient of federal, state or local assistance.
2.05: Housing Discrimination in the Granting of Mortgage Loans--Applicable Law
M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4, subsection 3B prohibits discrimination in the granting of mortgage loans, including the terms thereof because of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex or ancestry.
REGULATORY AUTHORITY
804 CMR 2.00; M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 3.
2.01: General Provisions Pertaining to Housing Discrimination
(1) Applicable Law. The Massachusetts Fair Housing statute, as contained in M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4 prohibits discrimination because of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, children, handicap, and receipt of public assistance or housing subsidy in the selling, renting or leasing of housing accommodations, commercial space, or land intended for use as such.
(2) Persons Covered By M.G.L. c 151B, s. 4.
(a) Owners of single family dwellings,multiple family dwellings, commercial space, or land intended for such use are covered by M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4.
(b) Licensed real estate brokers, managing agents, lessees, sublessees, or assignees of such dwellings, commercial space or land are covered by M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4.
(c) Those having right of ownership or possession, or right to rent, lease or sell, or negotiate for the sale or lease of such dwellings, commercial space or land are covered by M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4.
(d) Agents or employees of any person(s) described in 804 CMR 2.01(a), (b) or (c) are covered by M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4.
(e) Any organization of unit owners in a condominium or housing cooperative is covered by M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4.
(f) Those persons who coerce, intimidate, threaten or interfere with another person in the exercise or enjoyment of any right under M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4.
(g) Those persons who directly or indirectly prevent or attempt to prevent the construction, purchase, sale or rental of any dwelling or land covered by M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4.
(h) Those persons who aid or abet in doing any illegal acts specified by 804 CMR 2.00 et seq. are covered by M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4.
(3) Property Covered By M.G.L. c 151B, s. 4.
(a) Virtually all land and housing accommodations in the Commonwealth are covered by M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4. These include, but are not limited to: residentially zoned land and house lots; three family homes; apartments and tenement houses; multi-family dwellings and housing developments; publicly assisted housing; and, single and two family residences intended for sale.
(b) All commercial space, for sale or for rent, and all land intended to be put to commercial use are covered by M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4.
(4) Property Not Covered By M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4. The leasing or rental of units in those two family homes in which the owner occupies one apartment of that home as his residence is not covered by this law unless:
(a) The homeseeker or renter is a recipient of public assistance or housing subsidy; or,
(b) The leasing or rental process utilized the services of a person or organization whose business includes engaging in residental real estate related transactions; or,
(c) The availability of such unit is made known by making, printing, publishing, or causing to be made printed or published any notice, statement, or advertisement with respect to the rental of such a unit that indicates any preference limitation, exclusion or discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, children, marital status, handicap, veteran status, or public assistance or housing subsidy recipiency.
The following text is effective 07/01/93
(5) Unlawful Housing Practices
(a) It is unlawful to refuse to rent or lease or otherwise to deny to or withhold from any person such housing, space or land because of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, children, handicap or receipt of public assistance or housing subsidy.
(b) It is unlawful to discriminate against any person because of his or her race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, children, handicap or receipt of public assistance or housing subsidy in the terms, conditions or privileges of such housing, space or land, or the acquisition thereof, or in the furnishing of facilities and services in connection therewith.
(c) It is unlawful to cause to be made any written or oral inquiry, or record, concerning the race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, veteran status, sexual orientation, martial status or handicap of any person seeking to rent, lease, or buy any such housing, commercial space, or land.
(d) It is unlawful to advertise for rent or for sale any housing, space, or land (vacant or not), or to post a "For Rent" or "For Sale" sign or notice, or to offer or to accept a listing, which advertisement, sign or listing is intended to discriminate against any person or group of persons because of the race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, veteran status of such person or persons, sexual orientation, marital status, children, handicap or receipt of public assistance or housing subsidy.
(6) Examples of Unlawful Housing Practices. Examples of unlawful housing practices include, but are not limited to the following:
(a) To refuse to rent or sell a dwelling, commercial space or land (vacant or not) to a person or group of persons because of their protected status.
(b) To charge a person more for the purchase or rental of a dwelling, commercial space or land because of his or her protected status.
(c) To advertise a dwelling, commercial space or land in any way so as to convey an attitude of discrimination on the basis of a person's protected status.
(d) To falsely deny the availability of a dwelling, commercial space or land because of a person's protected status.
(e) To refuse to permit reasonable modifications to the premises to accommodate a person with a handicap.
(f) To pass an ordinance that unlawfully denies a dwelling, commercial space or land to a person or group of persons because of their protected status.
(g) To refuse to rent to a family with a child or children because the premises do or may contain lead paint.
(h) To publicly or privately make any offering, whether in writing or verbally, in any way, so as to convey an attitude of discrimination on the basis of a person's protected status.
2.02: Housing Discrimination Against Persons with Children
(1) Applicable Law. M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4, subsection 11 prohibits discrimination in the leasing or renting of accommodations to any person because the person has a child or children who shall occupy the premises with such person.
(2) Definition of Children.
(a) For the purposes of 804 CMR 2.02, a child is any individual who has not yet attained the age of 18 years.
(b) For the purposes of 804 CMR 2.02, discrimination against persons with children shall extend to women who are pregnant.
(c) For the purposes of 804 CMR 2.02, discrimination against persons with children shall extend to persons who are in the process of securing legal custody of a child or children.
(3) Examples of Unlawful Practices. Examples of unlawful practices under 804 CMR 2.02(3) include but are not limited to the following:
The following text is effective 07/01/93
(a) Refusing to rent to families with young children because of lead paint in the unit.
(b) Refusing to allow families with young children to live above a certain floor.
(c) Charging a higher rent or security deposit to families with children.
2.03: Housing Discrimination On The Basis Of Handicap
(1) Applicable Law. M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4, subsections 6, 7 and 7A prohibit discrimination in the sale or rental of accommodations to any person because of that person's physical or mental handicap.
(2) Definition of Handicap. Handicap is defined as follows:
(a) A person with a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities include walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working.
(b) A person with a record of having this kind of impairment, or
(c) A person who is perceived as having this kind of impairment.
(3) Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications. Under state law, rules, policies, practices or service delivery must be changed so that people with disabilities can reasonably live in and enjoy the premises, including public and common areas. In addition, an owner must permit a person with a disability to make structural modifications to the building or unit to make them accessible. Under state law, if the dwelling is in a building with ten or more units or it is publicly assisted housing, the owner must pay for the reasonable modifications unless she/he can show that making the changes would cause an "undue hardship." In all other cases, the disabled person must pay for the modifications.
(4) Examples of Reasonable Modifications and Reasonable Accommodations. Examples of reasonable modifications and reasonable accomodations include, but are not limited to the following:
(a) A sight-impaired person could request that raised numbers be put on the mailbox, on the intercom system or in the elevator.
(b) A hearing-impaired person could request that the doorbell flash a light when it is activated, rather than ring.
(c) A person with a mobility impairment could request that a cabinet be lowered, that a doorway be widened, that a grab bar be installed or that a front entrance, of five or fewer steps, be ramped.
(5) New Construction. As of March, 1991, all new residential construction for multi-family dwellings (three or more units) must provide basic access. This includes:
(a) At least one building entrance on an accessible route;
(b) Accessible public paths and other public common areas;
(c) The path of travel into and through the unit (including most balconies and patios) must be accessible;
(d) Doors intended for passage from outside the unit and throughout the unit must be sufficiently wide to allow passage by wheelchair;
(e) Switches, thermostats, environmental controls and electrical outlets in accessible locations;
(f) Bathrooms and kitchens must be able to be maneuvered by persons in wheelchairs.
All units on the ground floor must comply with these criteria, and if there is an elevator, all units served by the elevator must comply. In addition, 5% of all units must be fully wheelchair accessible, and 2% must be fully communication accessible.
Renovations must comply with state architectural access regulations (521 CMR).
2.04: Housing Discrimination in Credit Services or Rental Accommodations--Applicable Law
M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4, subsection 10 prohibits discrimination in the furnishing of credit services, or in the renting of accommodations against an individual who is a recipient of federal, state or local assistance.
2.05: Housing Discrimination in the Granting of Mortgage Loans--Applicable Law
M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 4, subsection 3B prohibits discrimination in the granting of mortgage loans, including the terms thereof because of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex or ancestry.
REGULATORY AUTHORITY
804 CMR 2.00; M.G.L. c. 151B, s. 3.
More Empty Promises to Mass. Citizens
http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/48748122_massachusetts-governor-patrick-signs-1275-billion-
Rockland Place Apts. was renovated with tax monies; however, it is still infested with residents not listed on lease agreements, not paying their fair share of subsidized rent, selling drugs on the property, violence. Owners/management continue to illegally encourage low-income residents with disabilities from their affordable apartments. These corporate partners with their high-priced attorneys, have proven to be 'above-the-law'.
These renovated apartments may be financially affordable, but do NOT provide a safe and healthy living environment for residents who speak out against the illegalalities going on in such places. Click on the link above to read more empty promises, that really only serve to empower unethical developers and to provide more government jobs in agencies such as DHCD, Mass Housing, Housing Authorities, and HUD. These agencies are well-rehearsed at avoiding their responsibilities to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing.
Long-time decent Massachusetts residents were intentionally harassed from Rockland Place dba Spring Gate Apts., especially when they spoke out against just some of the deceptive tactics of Management. Affordable housing, in Massachusetts, only serves to make developers who pay campaign contributions to Deval Patrick, and previous politicians, richer. It does NOT provide all Massachusetts residents a safe, affordable, or even a decent place to call home. Affordable housing is mostly about our government supporting corporate partnerships and disempowering more low-income individuals, who lose their rights at Rockland Place. Massachusetts agencies fail to hold corporate landlords, who pay campaign contributions, accountable for abuse, negligence, breaches in contracts, fraud, etc. I've witnessed it go on for too many years! (Click on the link above to see more empty promises.)
Rockland Place Apts. was renovated with tax monies; however, it is still infested with residents not listed on lease agreements, not paying their fair share of subsidized rent, selling drugs on the property, violence. Owners/management continue to illegally encourage low-income residents with disabilities from their affordable apartments. These corporate partners with their high-priced attorneys, have proven to be 'above-the-law'.
These renovated apartments may be financially affordable, but do NOT provide a safe and healthy living environment for residents who speak out against the illegalalities going on in such places. Click on the link above to read more empty promises, that really only serve to empower unethical developers and to provide more government jobs in agencies such as DHCD, Mass Housing, Housing Authorities, and HUD. These agencies are well-rehearsed at avoiding their responsibilities to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing.
Long-time decent Massachusetts residents were intentionally harassed from Rockland Place dba Spring Gate Apts., especially when they spoke out against just some of the deceptive tactics of Management. Affordable housing, in Massachusetts, only serves to make developers who pay campaign contributions to Deval Patrick, and previous politicians, richer. It does NOT provide all Massachusetts residents a safe, affordable, or even a decent place to call home. Affordable housing is mostly about our government supporting corporate partnerships and disempowering more low-income individuals, who lose their rights at Rockland Place. Massachusetts agencies fail to hold corporate landlords, who pay campaign contributions, accountable for abuse, negligence, breaches in contracts, fraud, etc. I've witnessed it go on for too many years! (Click on the link above to see more empty promises.)
Monday, January 14, 2008
Debarment
TSW PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC dba COMMONWEALTH STORAGE - 20 NORTH MONTELLO ST. - BROCKTON - 1/3/05 http://www.mass.gov/dia/Investigation/swos.xls
Does any business do business as themselves anymore? GALLANT MOVERS also held the name of COMMONWEALTH STORAGE at that same address, and now SOUTH COAST MOVING AND STORAGE is listed at that same Brockton location with a New Bedford phone number.
Old and new owners of Rockland Place Apartments use whichever storage facility is listed at that address, whether they need to do so or not. Both, new and old owners of Rockland Place Apartments use the same law firm of Russo & Scolnick. Old and new owners retaliate against residents who speak out, and they even have the same property manager from Cornerstone Corporation at their rental office. So, besides all the rent increases, and corporate cash rewards from State and Federal agencies, what is so better and new about Rockland Place Apartments dba Spring Gate?
Didn't these greedy corporates get enough State and Federal grant money and larger rent increases to be able to afford more trash pickups? It's Sunday night and, typically, the trash bins at Rockland Place Apartments dba Spring Gate overflow with trash on their walkways. Oh well, attorneys for Spring Gate could always fax South Coast Moving and Storage to store the overflow, then apply the charges to a couple of their previous tenants.
Does anyone know what the self-storage rates are at 141 Martha Drive, Rockland, MA? I noticed their self-storage listing on the internet just the other day. Perhaps owners of Spring Gate/Rockland Place Apartments could use the self-storage facility located at 141 Martha Drive. It certainly would be a lot closer than moving it all the way to South Coast Moving & Storage in Brockton, MA. .... Or maybe they could just empty their dumpsters more often?
So tell me -- Do all subsidized housing complexes run listings for self-storage facilities? Is the promised police substation and security cameras in place at Spring Gate yet?
Does any business do business as themselves anymore? GALLANT MOVERS also held the name of COMMONWEALTH STORAGE at that same address, and now SOUTH COAST MOVING AND STORAGE is listed at that same Brockton location with a New Bedford phone number.
Old and new owners of Rockland Place Apartments use whichever storage facility is listed at that address, whether they need to do so or not. Both, new and old owners of Rockland Place Apartments use the same law firm of Russo & Scolnick. Old and new owners retaliate against residents who speak out, and they even have the same property manager from Cornerstone Corporation at their rental office. So, besides all the rent increases, and corporate cash rewards from State and Federal agencies, what is so better and new about Rockland Place Apartments dba Spring Gate?
Didn't these greedy corporates get enough State and Federal grant money and larger rent increases to be able to afford more trash pickups? It's Sunday night and, typically, the trash bins at Rockland Place Apartments dba Spring Gate overflow with trash on their walkways. Oh well, attorneys for Spring Gate could always fax South Coast Moving and Storage to store the overflow, then apply the charges to a couple of their previous tenants.
Does anyone know what the self-storage rates are at 141 Martha Drive, Rockland, MA? I noticed their self-storage listing on the internet just the other day. Perhaps owners of Spring Gate/Rockland Place Apartments could use the self-storage facility located at 141 Martha Drive. It certainly would be a lot closer than moving it all the way to South Coast Moving & Storage in Brockton, MA. .... Or maybe they could just empty their dumpsters more often?
So tell me -- Do all subsidized housing complexes run listings for self-storage facilities? Is the promised police substation and security cameras in place at Spring Gate yet?
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Partners in Crime
Attorneys, Owners, and Management for Rockland Place Apartments LP, Rockland Place Apartments LLC, Connolly and Partners LLC continue with their deceptive and retaliatory patterns of doing business. Hopefully, the state of Massachusetts, Dept. of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Southeastern Housing Court, and HUD won't continue to support the numerous underhanded methods of these corporate partners.
To see how well our system really works against vulnerable citizens, please read just one investigative report at: http://www.boston.com/news/special/spotlight_debt/part3/page1.html
Did you notice the name, Kevin J. Dalton, in that investigative piece? Well, guess whose name shows up on a deceptive complaint by Rockland Place Apartments. Yes, Kevin J. Dalton, Constable of Rockland and owner of South Coast Legal Services, Inc. Why would Southeast Housing Court or Kevin J. Dalton threaten to remove a person or his/her personal property from a said premises when the person and that property are already gone? Can anyone tell me how to invest in a Boston Capital hedge fund property where nobody knows your name?
More questions: And how many months is your annual occupancy agreement in effect? How many times each year must you fill out an annual recertification? Tell me, has Rockland Place Apartments stopped towing the vehicles of their law-abiding residents yet?
To see how well our system really works against vulnerable citizens, please read just one investigative report at: http://www.boston.com/news/special/spotlight_debt/part3/page1.html
Did you notice the name, Kevin J. Dalton, in that investigative piece? Well, guess whose name shows up on a deceptive complaint by Rockland Place Apartments. Yes, Kevin J. Dalton, Constable of Rockland and owner of South Coast Legal Services, Inc. Why would Southeast Housing Court or Kevin J. Dalton threaten to remove a person or his/her personal property from a said premises when the person and that property are already gone? Can anyone tell me how to invest in a Boston Capital hedge fund property where nobody knows your name?
More questions: And how many months is your annual occupancy agreement in effect? How many times each year must you fill out an annual recertification? Tell me, has Rockland Place Apartments stopped towing the vehicles of their law-abiding residents yet?
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Slip-Sliding Away...
Reports of continued walking hazards, including icy walkways, concern several residents, especially those residents and guests with physical disabilities.
massresources.org defines private subsidized housing with the following text: Private subsidized housing is privately owned low-rent housing for low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Private subsidized housing developments are owned and operated by private owners, not the government. These owners receive money, called "subsidies," from the government to help pay rents, building costs, or other expenses. In return, they set aside some apartments for low and moderate-income households and charge low rents.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and MassHousing fund and regulate these programs. All private subsidized housing developments are owned and managed by private organizations. Some of these organizations are large for-profit housing developers, and some are small non-profit community development corporations (CDCs).
According to my housing experience at this privately-owned subsidized complex: In return for providing unsafe and substandard housing, corporate partnerships get rich and powerful through government funding while violating several state and federal laws. These owners selectively arrange tenant waiting lists to their liking, discreetly discriminate, contribute to the harassment of certain households, etc. etc. etc.
As Mr. William Connolly explained, "It's all about politics."
massresources.org defines private subsidized housing with the following text: Private subsidized housing is privately owned low-rent housing for low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Private subsidized housing developments are owned and operated by private owners, not the government. These owners receive money, called "subsidies," from the government to help pay rents, building costs, or other expenses. In return, they set aside some apartments for low and moderate-income households and charge low rents.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and MassHousing fund and regulate these programs. All private subsidized housing developments are owned and managed by private organizations. Some of these organizations are large for-profit housing developers, and some are small non-profit community development corporations (CDCs).
According to my housing experience at this privately-owned subsidized complex: In return for providing unsafe and substandard housing, corporate partnerships get rich and powerful through government funding while violating several state and federal laws. These owners selectively arrange tenant waiting lists to their liking, discreetly discriminate, contribute to the harassment of certain households, etc. etc. etc.
As Mr. William Connolly explained, "It's all about politics."
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Deceptive Business Practices
(click on photo collage for large view.)
It appears agencies and corporate owners can't figure out the date of purchase, and who really purchased Rockland Place Apartments, I mean, Spring Gate. Their 'facts' are ever-changing. One paper reads the owner is Cornerstone, another lists Rockland Place Apts. LP, another First Hartford Corp., another states Connolly and Partners, LLP, while another document lists Boston Capital Tax Credit. Residents received certified mail stating the new ownership and management began on November 1, 2006. Mishaps and chaotic construction by 'new owners' began August 2006.
My usual ANNUAL recertification took place November 1, 2006. I was, again, ANNUALLY recertified in mid-March 2007, without a 90-day notice, as my November's recertification document promised I would be. Beginning May 2007, I paid their rent increase, for the increased amount that my 2nd ANNUAL recertification document stated. Sometime in late August, I received another stack of papers with a court date, falsely stating I owed an exhorbitant amount of rent. It wasn't the first time low-income residents have been deceptively overcharged higher than usual rents for this 204-unit subsidized housing complex. The outlined photos show different contract rent amounts for the same sized unit at Rockland Place Apts. dba Spring Gate. Discrepancies always favor these corporate landlords.
Residents are rarely provided legal or sufficient notice for repairs or renovations to be made. Personal property gets damaged by workers. Don't waste your time requesting a reasonable accommodation. While you wait for their answer, you'll get a court date instead. MassHousing continues to grant these corporate partnerships more rent increases while they're in non-compliance of laws and regulations. Residents are required to sign misdated and deceptive documents (1-sided leases, misdated and inaccurate recertifications, etc.). Corporate owners know they can threaten residents with eviction proceedings and, more often than not, residents will go along with the illegal and unfair situation(s). This is not only greedy, but clearly an abuse of power. It certainly isn't fair housing!
I've never found Spring Gate Apts. to be a 'welcoming environment', but I hear cockroaches and bedbugs are trying the place out. For me, Spring Gate Apts. was not a home; it was a noisy construction site with owners who have little regard for residents' quality of life -- But then again, I don't earn at least $25,000. annually, as owners required in a few Apartment Guide listings. Do they discriminate in the enforcement of their policies and procedures? Yes.
I really do think it's time the state of Massachusetts and our federal government stepped in and did a thorough and impartial investigation for fraud, discrimination, and deceptive business practices which has been, and still is, costly in several ways to innocent and vulnerable taxpayers.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Spring Gate: The Unwelcoming Environment
Not only does this corporate landlord over bill for subsidized rents, workers recently cut cable lines to residents' apartments without notice. This interferes with phones, internet and televisions. Workers enter apartments with insufficient notice too. Rent payers are also ordered from their units for some of the unnecessary renovations. Residents at Rockland Place Apts. dba Spring Gate continue to live in chaos while Landlords breach their warranty of habitability and make a larger profit in rents for 2007. Is this what Mr. William M. Connolly meant when he promised Board of Selectman he would turn Rockland Place into an asset? I would think these terrible conditions would warrant displacement funds for residents needing a safe, decent place to live.
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