Coming To A Neighborhood Near You

       The Spring Gate apartment complex, also known as Rockland Place, has been in existence along Martha Drive and Hannah Way in Rockland, Massachusetts for about 42-years now. Hedge-fund investors and partners receive Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and billions of dollars in government funds in exchange for lowered rents, more paperwork, and regulations that aren't often enforced according to the HUD Handbook and federal/state laws. 
       This subsidized housing development has been financed and renovated with billions of dollars from HUD, MassHousing loans (with reduced interest rates), grants, taxpayer funds, etc.   The complex holds a total of 204 rental apartments.  193 of these apartments are reserved for low-income tenants who pay 30-40% of their income toward rent payments.  HUD pays the remainder of the rent to the corporate partners who own numerous subsidized properties across the country.         According to police and tenants, this mixed-income, subsidized development has been a hot spot for crime in Rockland, including rapes, drugs, robberies, break-ins, mail theft, fires, beatings, threats, shootings, vandalism, and knife attacks for more than a decade. Except for the first 10 years, Rockland Place has always been a nuisance property, often unsafe and indecent, with violations in codes, human rights, and fair housing laws. 

          Some people have suspected blue collar and white collar organized crime on this property.  Unusual and extra heavy traffic patterns began flowing in and out of this dead-end complex sometime in the 1980's.  In the nineties, peculiar business listings were published in phone directories and online. One listed phone number called an answering machine at So. Shore Voc-Tech. There was never a Mariott Hotel or a Friendly's Ice Cream Shop or even a Rockland Self-storage facility at any residential building on Martha Drive, where cocaine and other drugs were often sold.  So why all the repetitive business listings in this subsidized housing complex, even after listings were reported to corporate mgmt., MassHousing Finance, and government officials?  Perhaps laundering drug money?
               In 2008, Rockland Police Lt., Barry Ashton, explained the ongoing criminal activity to a local daily newspaper, “It’s an apartment complex, and any time you have an apartment complex with a lot of people squeezed into a tight geographic area, you’re going to have problems.”   Ashton has since retired from the Rockland Police Dept. after another police officer was promoted to Police Chief. 
             When Rockland Place first started housing people in 1972, this 'non-profit' property was owned and managed by Edwin D. Abrams.  Sometime in the 1980's, Rockland Place started adding partners like Bruce Rozet of AFC Corporation and Julie Wall of United Housing Preservation.   In 1996, Cornerstone Corporation replaced Abrams Management.  Rockland Place continued in its downward spiral.     
            From  2005,  Neil H. Ellis of First Hartford Corporation and William M. Connolly of the newly established Connolly and Partners LLC were first introduced to residents and added to the mix of additional partners and investors. Residents weren't informed of Boston Capital's involvement until after it was published on this site.  The newer corporate partners promised to clean up the crime and to improve the property's bad reputation by changing the name to Spring Gate. 
           Deceptive business practices, wastefulness, crime, and substandard living conditions continued.  At least one resident with documented medical disabilities was not accommodated and escaped into homelessness with absolutely no compensation from the government financed corporate landlords.  Other tenants stayed and also suffered losses with personal property damaged during shoddy repairs and renovations.
         Currently, this subsidized multifamily housing complex has about 20 vacant apartments. While rents continue to increase, residents live with pipe leaks and repetitive sewerage backup, asbestos in wall panels, crime and other unsafe conditions, increased apartment inspections by a variety of government agencies and corporations, non-compliance of lease agreements, etc.
         Let's face it, government programs look better on paper than they actually are.  If these poorly managed programs really helped the vulnerable, more Americans would be better able to lift themselves out of poverty and dependency.
        The never-ending cycle of government expansion and dependency continues under President Obama.  He insists on using more tax dollars to build even more subsidized housing in good neighborhoods.   So please remind me ... How does infecting more American neighborhoods with crime and socialism improve American lives?  

*Here's what Dr. Ben Carson thinks on the subject. (external article)

**Who Are the Biggest Corporate Welfare Moochers? (external article)

NOTE 1: Long url for this blog: http://www.typog.blogspot.com

NOTE 2: Shortened url:   http://goo.gl/htEcFF



    

Quality of Standards - Government Vouchers

SEARCH INDEPENDENT NEWS + MEDIA HERE!

May 1, 2015 blog:  A meeting was recently held at the Rockland Place dba Spring Gate Apartments Community Room for tenants to bid farewell to one on-site property manager, Janet Hamilton, and to welcome another, Donna Burks-Smith.

There's been talk of an asbestos problem in the drywall throughout this housing complex in Rockland, MA, along with some flooding, pipe leaks, illegal activities, and another death.

It's also been reported to this site that FHRC Management at Clarendon Hill Towers in Somerville, MA may be bugging an apartment on the 12th floor.  Of course, we're unable to confirm this particular story, but it certainly wouldn't be the first time a corporate property manager illegally bugged a low-income resident's apartment.

(Have you been illegally harassed by Management, live-ins, or other residents?   If so, write in and tell us your story.)

Here's a link low-income residents may be interested in viewing:  http://democrats.financialservices.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399001
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April 1, 2015 blog note:  Does your place of residence meet the housing quality standards of the Section 8 rental assistance program?  Find out here:  http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=52580.pdf
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March 2015 blog note: Is it really true that the housing authority is allowing the increase of rents for Section 8 apartments to be a higher amount, as if  Spring Gate / Rockland Place units were located in Boston, MA?  The cost of apartments used to be at lower rates in Rockland than they were in Boston.  Convenience and access to public transportation in Rockland is poor when compared to that in Boston.
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February 5, 2015 blog:
HOMELESSNESS: President's 2016 BUDGET
This plan may help the homelessness problem in America, but does not resolve the crime, corruption and victimization which exists in subsidized housing complexes.
http://usich.gov/resources/uploads/asset_library/2016_Budget_Fact_Sheet_on_Homelessness_Assistance.pdf       
 No security cameras and no police substation ever existed.  Tenants were further traumatized and/or victimized after assaults in darkened common areas.

Would Government Controlled Internet Be Like Affordable Housing?

     Please take the time to view the video link below of what it might be like should the government and/or favored corporations take control of the internet.  It has similarities to life at Rockland Place dba Spring Gate Apartments in Rockland, MA where corporations and government overstep their bounds to deny American citizens privacy and the right to protect ourselves from those who do us harm.
      Financially needy people do become repeatedly victimized in 'affordable' or subsidized housing complexes, operated by bad landlords who only pretend to care about crime on their nuisance properties.  Some of these corporate landlords have even worked in government offices and promoted programs that would enrich themselves.
        Many government programs are abused and do NOT work.  Instead of uplifting families out of poverty, these mismanaged programs tend to keep people buried in poverty, low self-esteem, and powerlessness. Some programs deny individuals the right to protect themselves from ruthless individuals and corporations who have full access to tenants' homes and everything inside.
      Some people say, "You're denying yourself because you'd get yourself out of poverty if it bothers you so much."  The tools to do this aren't always available for a number of reasons, too numerous to mention in this article. Yes, some people are able to lift themselves from poverty, but the percentage is extremely small. Even some people who work full-time can not afford to rent an apartment.
         Let's take a look at some of the Americans living in poverty.  Minimum wage earners are one group.  Elderly people, who worked most of their lives paid into social security, and may be surviving on an annual income of $13,000 in social security with Medicare paying 80% toward medical bills. For the most part, COLA, or cost of living increases are not realistic with climbing expenses for basic necessities. People in this category may also receive food stamps which would probably pay 1/4 of their grocery bill, if that. Yes, it's better than nothing, but it's often a trade off of certain privacy rights and freedoms.
     There are Veterans, survivors of crime, and citizens with debilitating medical issues (not readily seen) who may be unable to work with any stability due to medical difficulties that interfere with several aspects of life.  Some of these people suffer PTSD or mental health problems like schizophrenia and major depression, etc. These people constantly hear the criticisms of ignorant Americans who disrespect them.  They're treated with contempt and disgust because "they don't get off their lazy butts and hold a job".
      While some American citizens do need assistance, I don't believe the solution is in throwing more tax dollars to unsafe, substandard, subsidized housing where tenants are repeatedly victimized by some property managers and favored corporations.  I think it's time we stop throwing money toward poorly run government programs and think outside the box to come up with better solutions.
http://www.departmentoftheinternet.net/request-installation/?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Obama+launches+the+Department+of+the+Internet&utm_campaign=02-05-O-DepofInternet

PUBLIC INCIDENT LOG by Rockland Police

FROM SEPTEMBER 1--26th, 2014 for the 32 Buildings inside of

ROCKLAND PLACE APARTMENTS doing business as SPRING GATE APTS.

RE: Martha Drive, Rockland, MA 02370 - (posted in military time)

*9/1/14 @ 14:35_Incident # 1-2014-022140_Malicious damage to motor vehicle @ 110 Martha Drive (unposted apt.)_ services rendered by Patrolman John M. Rafferty

*9/1/14 @ 20:11 _ Incident# I-2014-022156_Disturbance @ Martha Drive (unposted bldg.), persons advised by Patrolman Brian J. McDonald

*9-2-14 @ 08:16 _ Incident# I-2014-022192_Check well being @ 242 Martha Drive, area search negative by Patrolman Susan J. Llewellyn

*9-3-14 @ 00:06_Incident # I-2014-022271_Motor vehicle towed on Martha Drive (unposted bldg.#) ... Logged Only

*9-3-14 @ 10:55 military time_Incident # I-2014-022320_Message delivery @ 210 Martha Drive services rendered by Patrolman Susan J. Llewellyn

*9-3-14 @ 21:00_Incident # I-2014-022367_Directed patrol on Martha Drive

*9-4-14 @ 14:56_Incident # I-2014-022452, Missing person @ 92 Martha Drive (unposted apt.) ... Services rendered by Patrolman John M. Rafferty

*9-4-14 @ 17:29_Incident # I-2014-022471_Restraining order extended at 110 Martha Drive (unposted apt.).....  Logged only

*9-6-14 @ 00:05_Incident # I-2014-022627_911 emergency @ 141 Martha Drive (unposted apt.)... Checked okay by Patrolman Michael D. Byers

*9-6-14 @ 19:21_Incident # I-2014-022689_Motor vehicle breaking and entering @ 177 Martha Drive (unposted apt.) .... Advised by Patrolman Ethan L. Schnabel

*9-7-14 @ 12:39_Incident # I-2014-022750_Medical emergency @ 141 Martha Drive_Person(s) transported_Report by Patrolman Joseph H. Rogers

*9-8-14 @ 00:06_Incident # I-2014-022790_disturbance @ Martha Drive (unposted bldg. #)_Services rendered by Sgt. Peter M. Chernicki

*9-8-14 @ 18:56_Incident # I-2014-022864_Suspicious activity @ Martha Drive (unposted bldg.) _ person(s) advised by Patrolman Jeffrey A. DiRenzo

*9-9-14 @ 11:19_Incident # I-2014-022927_Suspicious activity @ Martha Drive (unposted bldg.)_Area search negative by Patrolman Steven P. Somers

*9-15-14 @ 11:24_Incident# I-2014-023453_Motor vehicle theft @ 191 Martha Drive (unposted apt.)_ Services rendered by Patrolman Kevin M. Gallagher

*9-15-14 @ 22:11_Incident# I-2014-023491_Assault and battery @ 42 Martha Drive (unposted apt.)_Advised by Patrolman Michael D. Byers

*9-16-14 @ 21:57_Incident # I-2014-023563_Suspicious activity @ Martha Drive (unposted bldg., apt.)_Services rendered by Patrolman Steven P. Somers

*9-18-14 @ 08:58_Incident# I-2014-023694_Breaking and entering during daytime @ 140 Martha Drive (unposted apt.)_Services rendered by Patrolman Kevin M. Gallagher

*9-18-14 @ 17:36_Incident # I-2014-023720_Assist other agency @ 140 Martha Drive (unposted apt.) _ Services rendered by Patrolman Ethan L. Schnabel

*9-19-14 @ 09:23_Incident # I-2014-023774_Field investigation @ Martha Drive (unposted bldg.) _ Checked okay _ (unposted patrolman)

*9-19-14 @ 10:27_Incident# I-2014-023777_Disturbance @ 140 Martha Drive (unposted apt.)_ Advised by Patrolman Joseph J. Rogers

*9-20-14 @ 16:49_Incident # I-2014-023896_Assist citizen @ 140 Martha Drive (unposted apt.)_Services rendered by Patrolman Jeffrey A. DiRenzo

*9-22-14 @ 21:07_Incident # I-2014-024058_Suicide attempted @ 74 Martha Drive (unposted apt.)_Person(s) transported_Reporting officer: Michael D. Byers

*9-23-14 @ 13:25_Incident# I-2014-024109_Disturbance @ 62 Martha Drive (unposted apt.)_Services rendered by Patrolman Kevin Gallagher

*9-23-14 @ 15:50_Incident # I-2014-024121_Restraining order extended @ 191 Martha Drive (unposted apt.)_Logged by Patrolman Sean D. Brundige

*9-24-14 @ 08:54_Incident # I-2014-024177_Field Investigation @ Hannah Way and Martha Drive_Checked out okay _ (unposted reporting officer)

*9-24-14 @ 18:31 _ Incident# I-2014-024226_Breaking and entering during daytime @ 191 Martha Drive (unposted apt.)_Services rendered by Patrolman Brian J. McDonald

*9-26-14 @ 18:48_Incident #I-2014-024322_Assault @ 230 Martha Drive (unposted apt.).......***See report by Patrolman Brian J. McDonald

***ARREST REPORT: Rosania Moreno, age: 29, 45 Hannah Way, Apt. F, charged with: 265-13A and 265-15A_Assault and Battery and Assault and Battery with Dangerous Weapon

RE: more on Hannah Way, Rockland, MA 02370 - (posted in military time)

*9-3-14 @ 09:54 _ Incident# I-2014-022315_Check well being @ 34 Hannah Way (unposted apt.)_ Logged by Auxilary Tim Daly

*9-4-14 @ 05:02_Incident# I-2014-022397_Log only note @ Hannah Way (unposted bldg.,apt.)_(unposted officer)

*9-4-14 @ 20:48_Incident# I-201-022487_Assist citizen @ 75 Hannah Way (unposted apt.)_Assist Citizen _ Services rendered by unposted officer.

*9-6-14 @ 19:04_Incident# I-2014-022594_Neighbor disturbance @ 43 Hannah Way (unposted apt.)_Advised by Patrolman Joseph g. Zielinski

*9-6-14 @ 18:48 _ Incident# I-2014-022687_Check well being @ 45 Hannah Way (unposted apt.)_Services rendered by Patrolman Ethan L. Schnabel

*9-6-14 @ 23:09_Incident # I-2014-022706_Medical emergency @ 43 Hannah Way (unposted apt.)_Medical emergency and transported_Patrolman Ethan L. Schnabel

*9-7-14 @ 17:12_ Incident# I-2014-022764_Disturbance @ 83 Hannah Way (unposted apt.) _ Advised by Patrolman Brian J. McDonald

*9-8-14 @ 16:38 _ Incident # I-2014-022848_Assist citizen @ 45 Hannah Way (unposted apt. and patrolman)_Advised

*9-8-14 @ 16:13 _ Incident# I-2014-022851_ Disturbance @ 75 Hannah Way (unposted apt.)_ Transported _ Patrolman Jeffrey A. DiRenzo

*9-10-14 @ 22:40 _ Incident # I-2014-023073_Motor vehicle stopped on John A Dunn Memorial Drive (road joining Martha Dr.)_Patrolman Steven P. Somers

***ARREST INFORMATION: Charged, Sanya Ream, 24 yrs old, 43 Hannah Way Apt. F with 90-23 and c90 1B D: License or Reg. suspended and Moped violation, Helmet violation / moped on restricted highway/operation +17 without license / speed violation / Misc. traffic violation

*9-11-14 @ 11:11_Incident # I-2014-023120_Animal complaint @ 86 Hannah Way (unposted apt.) _ Services rendered by Patricia Whittemore of animal control

*9-12-14 @ 20:18 _ Incident# I-2014-023252 _ Summons service @ 63 Hannah Way (unposted apt.) _ Summons service but summons not served

*9-20-14 @ 13:54 _ Incident# I-2014-023681_ Neighbor disturbance @ 43 Hannah Way (unposted apt.)_ Advised by Patrolman Kevin M. Gallagher

*9-24-14 @ 08:54 _ Incident # I-2014-024177_Field investigation @ Hannah Way and Martha Drive_Checked okay by unposted officer

*9-25-14 @ 10:57_Incident# I-2014-024283_Field investigation @ Hannah Way (unposted bldg., apt.) _checked okay by unposted officer

*9-25-14 @ 18:48_Incident# I-2014-024322_Assault and battery with dangerous weapon @ 230 Martha Drive (unposted apt.)_See report listed above on 45-F Hannah Way by Patrolman Brian J. McDonald

*9-25-14 @ 20:33_Incident # I-2014-024329 _ Follow-up investigation @ 45 Hannah Way_Reported by Patrolman Brian J. McDonald

Blogger's Note:  It's obvious that a dangerous and costly pattern of illegal activity continues on this nuisance property, in violation of laws and occupancy agreements, that corporate owners and management intentionally fail to effectively address.

Terminating Rent Supps + Chapter 40T

A meeting with corporate landlords, management, tenants, and their representatives will be held at 52 Hannah Way, Rockland Mass. tonight, 10/9/2014 at 6:00 pm to discuss the termination of some rent supplements, info regarding project-based subsidies, and Title VII, Chapter 40T of the Massachusetts General Laws.  What does it all mean to you and your family?  It may be helpful to take a look at the following links before attending this meeting:
 * http://www.cbpp.org/cms/?fa=view&id=3890
**http://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVII/Chapter40T

Tenants Targeted

      Though it's not professional, ethical, or legal for property managers, landlords, and corporate partners to target tenants, it happens on a regular basis by select partnerships and corporations at various subsidized housing complexes throughout Massachusetts. Confidential information tenants are required to provide landlords, in order to secure an apartment or voice an objection, is sometimes shared with other tenants by corporations.  Most often, the "crazy lady on the third floor" fiction that criminal property managers share is deliberately inaccurate in attempts to isolate and discredit individual tenants trying to improve their living environments.  Sometimes gossip spread by property managers encourage other tenants to harass legitimate tenants off the subsidized property, sometimes forcing them into homelessness. Other times a property manager's words serve to secretly intervene in a tenants' group and persuades other tenants not to vote for certain tenants likely to benefit the group. 
      In August 2014, tenants will again have the privilege to vote for good individuals to serve on the board of Clarendon Hill Towers Tenants Association (CHTTA).   (Ms. Hamilton, which tenant did you tell other tenants NOT to vote for?)   According to recent information received, First Hartford Corporation (FHRC) is attempting to influence tenants' votes at Clarendon Hill Towers in Somerville, MA.  And, it certainly isn't the first time First Hartford Corp. (FHRC), and some of their affiliated partners acted illegally, deceptively, and fraudulently.    For too many years now, certain corporate landlords have abused their powers of influence to pit tenant against tenant.  In the process, they quietly sit back and get their corporate needs of harassments and vindictiveness met.
       It's no coincidence these patterns of illegal behaviors continue on in a variety of HUD-financed housing complexes.  These corporate partners own and manage numerous subsidized housing complexes under a variety of partnership names throughout the United States.  They discriminate and target vulnerable and unrepresented tenants with numerous eviction proceedings. Some medically disadvantaged tenants have been forced to endure ten years of retaliatory and frivolous eviction proceedings, allowed by the housing courts.  A handful of tenants, with good witnesses and evidence, have successfully sued these partnerships, but have been urged to sign 'documents of silence' as part of a settlement agreement.
    It's disturbing to see these illegal and unethical patterns of abuse continue after so many years of reporting it to courts and public servants in government agencies. There is a great imbalance of power when certain corporate partners serve on Boards, in government agencies, or are connected to those in political office.  It should be considered bribery and/or an act of treason when big money influences enforcement of our Bill of Rights and Fair Housing laws. 
     
     In the meantime, citizens ask:  Why are so many employees from Cornerstone Corporation employed by FHRC in at least two different housing complexes with the same law firm of so-called "previous owners" of these properties?  Will a strong tenants' group ever be allowed to exist at Spring Gate Apts?  Will competent attorneys be readily available for legitimately needy tenants who exercise their rights in subsidized housing or will the housing courts allow corporate landlords to continue in the victimization of vulnerable citizens?  And, what the heck has been going on with First Hartford Corp. (FHRC), Connolly and Partners, LLC, Boston Capital, and the security companies at Rockland Place and Spring Gate Apartments in Rockland, Massachusetts?   
     Do you live in, or have you survived subsidized housing?  If so, don't continue to live in fear; share your true stories.  And, yes, appropriate agencies and appropriate corporations are aware of this blog's existence.  (A lot of good that does.)  Stay connected to read an upcoming article on the unusual and 'unsecured security practices' at the Rockland housing complex, updates on tenant groups, and more!

Enforcements Needed in Housing Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the House Appropriations Committee’s approval of a measure to fund the nation’s housing programs today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Democrat and Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee, blamed Republicans today for undercutting important housing programs that protect our most vulnerable populations.

      The legislation, known as the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations bill, slashes or provides insufficient funding for a number of the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) public and assisted housing programs. These include over $500 million in cuts to important rental assistance and anti-homelessness programs. The measure cuts HUD’s Public Housing Program below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level, while funding HUD’s Public Housing Capital Fund to its lowest level since the 1980s.

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Factually speaking, there is much fraud, waste, abuse, and discrimination allowed in the subsidized housing program.  Unless laws and HUD's Rules and Regulations are enforced, wastefulness and violations will continue. The Fair Housing Act and Discrimination Laws are useless without enforcements in place for legitimate and vulnerable tenants too often abused and denied protections while exercising their Constitutional Rights. Some corporate landlords and managers favor housing friends, relatives, and unusual businesses in place of those most needy.

    This blog recently received more information about some possible conflicts of interests regarding friends and/or relatives of Ms. Hamilton, who allegedly get special privileges other tenants do not.  We're not attorneys, but if true, it would be a violation of The Fair Housing Act and could also be considered a conflict of interest for Ms. Booth to serve on the Corporate Management team and to also share a position on the Tenants' Council at Clarendon Hill Towers (CHTTA).

      We're still attempting to get more information from other residents on this matter and any other.  You can send in some photos too, if you feel safe enough to be seen with a camera.   Do any vulnerable tenants under the Housing Program dare to speak out when the Legal Aid Program may not have an attorney available to defend you during a retaliatory eviction proceeding at the Housing Court?  You can write in anonymously, but then again, Americans lack much privacy nowadays.

Listening Sessions and Rights Education

The Human Rights Commission is scheduling listening session outreach as well as education activities in the Somerville, MA community.  They will be advertising in the community when they have something scheduled.  For example, this week the Director of The Human Rights Commission will be presenting a one-hour rights education at the coffee hour.  Commissioners will be providing Listening Sessions from the community at various public events. For further information:

Program of the Somerville Health Department

City Hall Annex, 50 Evergreen Avenue, Somerville, MA 02145

617.625.6600 x2406 --  (TTY) 1.866.808.4851

Abusive Patterns Ring Bells in HUD Housing

Recently we received more information from tenants in another subsidized housing complex managed by Cornerstone Corp., Connolly and Partners LLC, First Hartford Corporation (FHRC), and their Tenants Association. Like other tenants in other complexes, these tenants recognize they will be forced to endure frivolous eviction proceedings for speaking out if their names were exposed.  Considering the long history and patterns of retaliation attempts and abuse by owners, investors, and managers on these subsidized properties, tenants' fear of retaliation is very much justified. 

     One resident requested we write an article of interest on how Mr. Laham of McNeil Assoc., then Cornerstone Corp., allegedly made a deal with Clarendon Hill Towers at dinner with Bill Connolly and Linda Hamilton of Connolly and Partners LLC and FHRC prior to contracts being signed with Clarendon Hill Towers.  To be better able to do this, we would need more details and other information for better clarification. Some items of interest have already been written about.  Those articles can be found in our archives in the column to the left of this page.

     In the meantime, we continue to process the information received by tenants in various housing complexes.  There is most definitely a familiar pattern of abuse happening on these HUD-financed properties to do with favoritisms, drugs, serious unfair housing issues, deliberate harassments by corporate partners, interference in tenants organizations, conflicts of interests, unethical practices in regard to waiting lists and construction bids, etc. etc.   Stay connected!   

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/north/2013/06/15/evictions-discrimination-complaints-raise-questions-clarendon-hill-complex-somerville/U9o77K1GBV9jI4lK2F0RTK/story.html

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After Corporate Landlords Get Billions in Funds
to Renovate at least two different housing complexes,
fires start from faulty materials. More than
$100,000 gets collected from Insurance Policies.

Here's a news item we missed from the Somerville Patch in January 2013.

     Somerville Fire Chief, Kevin Kelleher said a repair man who had been working on the generator was finishing up his work when the generator caught on fire.
      The fire broke out at about 10:30 a.m., and by around 11:15 a.m. firefighters had it under control. Kelleher classified it as a "small fire."
      There were no reported injuries, and "right now it looks like everyone's going to stay in the building," Kelleher said at that time. Had the fire and smoke been worse, the fire department may have been forced to evacuate the entire building.
     Clarendon Hill Towers is a large affordable housing complex .......
          Ward 7 Alderman, Robert Trane, who was on the scene, said neighbors had called him several times "to complain about this generator," which made lots of noise.
      The fire heavily damaged the generator and nearby electrical wiring and conduits, leading to more than $100,000 worth of damage, according to an email from Deputy Fire Chief, Charles Breen.
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And another item we missed for October 2006.

Location: Rockland Place/Spring Gate Apts., Hannah Way F , Rockland, MA 02370Fire Department: Rockland, MA 02370,  ID: 23251,  Incident #: 2187,  Station: 1,  Shift/Platoon: 2Incident Type: Heat from short circuit (wiring), defective or worn insulation.Alarm Time: 10/26/2006 22:28,  Arrival Time: 10/26/2006 22:32,  Last Unit Cleared Time: 10/26/2006 22:49Action taken: Investigate. Includes investigations done on arrival to determine the situation and post incident investigations; and collecting incident information for incident reporting purposes.