In a message dated 4/5/02 8:51:38 PM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< Having lived in Stevens Square, I can tell you that affordable housing is on its way out. Building proprietorship has turned over and new landlords have upped the rents to cover their in-hock asses. Steve Frenz , who owns JAS Properties and has brought a number of properties in the Stevens Square area, saw fit to raise rents some thirty to forty percent in my old building (and of course, that was before bothering with upgrades on apartments). Others who live/lived in the neighborhood who I was acquainted with also reported significant increases in buildings owned by other proprietors. Properties, need I add, that weren't even in very good shape. Believe me, even in the so-called affordable neighborhoods, its getting alot less affordable. The fact is, price (or rental) gouging has gotten out of hand in the properties business. And yes, everybody knows it though nobody is saying anything. Sure, terrific, affordable housing is a goal for the city to work toward. In the meantime, if the city is truly concerned about its lower and even middle income people, high time we started talking seriously about rent control. >> Keith says; First of all, " ... to cover their in-hock asses. Steve Frenz..." has a disrespectful implication toward business people. Second, and much more significant, the housing shortage is really a money shortage in the renter pool. The darkest hour is just before dawn, someone once said. Rents have gone way up with little vacancy in the last few years. Now there is much vacancy. And much talk of multiunit housing starts in the city. Let us control the rise of the stock market (gambling), let us control the price of gas (conspicuous consumption), the Mineolas I like are too damn much at Cub. Let me reach in your pocket and have some of your money. Automobiles are vital transportation-can we get our city to start building the cars? Or should I settle for a subsidy to help me purchase one. Capitalism is so unfair; but when allowed to function, it works for the greatest general good. Keith Reitman, I support socialist rant-control, NearNorth _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
