[Forwarded at the request of non-list member Basim Sabri. - David Brauer,
list manager]
I don't want to respond to the more personal points in this debate, nor do I
need to elaborate any longer on the issue of Artist Housing, because as far
as I'm concerned, it's a dead subject and has no future on my land on 2nd
Ave. I hope that people interested in Artist Housing will move on and
concentrate on better uses for this land.
I have read several messages pertaining to the Lor family and the sale of
their house. I would like to clarify some facts regarding this talk.
Although no one has specifically stated they think it is I who threatened
the Lors, it is clearly insinuated. For all those who are interested, it is
not my style to threaten people to buy their house. As far as the Lors
house, I have been pursuing the purchase of their and Flowers properties for
the last 18 mos. I obtained a legal purchase from the Lors' brother, who
does not even live in the neighborhood. Further, some of you may not be
aware that the tenants (Lors) who have been referred to as the owners and
the threatened family were having regular cockfight matches in the house. To
this date, there are chicken remains in the house. I personally rescued 2
chickens that were still alive and brought them to my house where they
reside to this day with my other chickens. I will not elaborate any further
as to what I think is the reason they received those death threats.
With regards to the condition of the house itself, it was in an
uninhabitable condition while they were living there. The oustide, as we can
all see, is run down. I am in the process of rehabbing this property so that
I could have the option to rent it to prospective tenants (2 units) and/or
move it to a nearby suitable lot. As far as the Flowers property, I have a
signed purchase agreement from them. Mr. and Mrs. Flowers have recently
changed their mind to sell the property, though I have offered them the
price that they asked for. At this time, I will not force the Flowers to
honor the purchase agreement, however I would ask that the Flowers keep up
the appearance of their property to at least minimum standards. I certainly
did not threaten the Flowers to sell me their property.
The Lors and the Flowers properties are not essential in moving forward with
my development, because I am able to use my property on Lake St. for
additional parking. Whether you believe this or not, I merely have the goal
of enhancing the appearance of the rundown properties surrounding my future
development. In fact, I have taken it upon myself to fix Selwin Ortega's (my
friend) storefront (Las Americas), which many of you have complained about.
In addition, I have a full-time employee who lives in the neighborhood and
routinely cleans the streets/sidewalks between 2nd and 4th on Lake St. I am
not like those others who drove away the old African-Am. woman who resided
for years on the Healy block.
Today, while driving by the Healy block, I noticed several pieces of lumber
and junk in front of one of the resident's house who is complaining a lot
about me. On the next block over, I was struck again by Zala's house which
has been boarded for several years. Yes, I am concerned about the area and
my 2nd Ave. property. I am not sure if Zala will ever finish her house,
though she recently received an additional $10,000 to fix her property. To
this date, it is still not rehabbed.
The reason I am interested in purchasing Zala's house is not for the
development fulfillment, but rather to improve the aesthetics of that block
since it is adjacent to my property. I feel that I have something to say
about it, because it and the Coral house were purchased from the MCDA and
have received (and are still receiving) public money, contrary to my
property which is all private money. I urge Zala to negotiate with me so
that I could consider a space for her business within my development.
Frankly, I like Corrin, but she reminds me of my oldest brother who has a
hard time finishing projects.
Finally, I truly believe that Central neighborhood is a beautiful place and
has so much to offer. I love the diversity and I would love to continue to
invest in this neighborhood to make it a better place. I urge all of you who
are in disagreement with me to try to work things out and to meet with me if
you have any questions. I would like to see the retail attached to the
hotel, because I believe it is beneficial for the area. However, I am open
to sensible alternatives that are not self-centered.
Sincerely,
Basim Sabri
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