Evil. Just Evil.
Sad thing is, this makes perfect sense from the bank's perspective.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Group Homes Approved in Waukesha
Waukesha's Plan Commission approved two group homes by St. Coletta. Initially the Catholic service organization wanted to build two group homes in Welsh Oaks, but later modified it after opposition to one in Welsh Oaks (approved in a previous meeting) and one in Rolling Ridge South (approved in the recent meeting).
I always have mixed feelings about city ordinances limiting the number of group homes, or limiting how close they can be to each other. It's a unquestionable violation of the Fair Housing Act in my view since it limits the choices of people with disabilities, so I'm mostly against those types of ordinances.
But I wouldn't want to see multiple group homes in neighborhoods creating "ghettos of disability" either, since providers tend to like to cluster their facilities for easier staff transit.
I always have mixed feelings about city ordinances limiting the number of group homes, or limiting how close they can be to each other. It's a unquestionable violation of the Fair Housing Act in my view since it limits the choices of people with disabilities, so I'm mostly against those types of ordinances.
But I wouldn't want to see multiple group homes in neighborhoods creating "ghettos of disability" either, since providers tend to like to cluster their facilities for easier staff transit.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
New Approach to Foreclosed Homes
A while ago I discussed the City of Milwaukee selling foreclosed houses that they own to Gorman & Company, who then will use tax credits to rehab the properties and rent them out. Since then, the City has entered a similar agreement with developers Maures and Brinshore.
Now the federal government is getting into the action-sort of. They're looking at ways to convert foreclosed houses into rental housing, and easing the pressure on home sale prices that are depressed by the glut of foreclosed homes on the market.
I'm of mixed feelings about this. On one hand, actions like what the City has done, and what the federal government might do, could be seen as subsidies to investors. With the City, because of the involvement of tax credits from the state, it's a double bonus; they get affordable rental housing, and they get run-down houses that will be rehabbed and improved, as well as maintained for the next thirty years.
But a program like the City's is unlikely to be replicated on a national level, which means that there likely will be no affordability requirements, and who knows what will be involved regarding maintenance. This could very well end up being a new generation of slumlords who put the bare minimum into the properties. There'd have to be some kind of upkeeping requirement and oversight, which won't be popular.
Now the federal government is getting into the action-sort of. They're looking at ways to convert foreclosed houses into rental housing, and easing the pressure on home sale prices that are depressed by the glut of foreclosed homes on the market.
I'm of mixed feelings about this. On one hand, actions like what the City has done, and what the federal government might do, could be seen as subsidies to investors. With the City, because of the involvement of tax credits from the state, it's a double bonus; they get affordable rental housing, and they get run-down houses that will be rehabbed and improved, as well as maintained for the next thirty years.
But a program like the City's is unlikely to be replicated on a national level, which means that there likely will be no affordability requirements, and who knows what will be involved regarding maintenance. This could very well end up being a new generation of slumlords who put the bare minimum into the properties. There'd have to be some kind of upkeeping requirement and oversight, which won't be popular.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Pinocchio Watch
In my ongoing Pinocchio Watch, I noticed that Senator Johnson had the following in his August 5 newsletter:
Um, no. As a constitutent, I called his office, spoke to Senator Johnson's staff and asked specifically which programs he would cut if the Cut Cap Balance that he supported so much was passed. I received a form letter telling me quite literally nothing. If that's his idea of "answering" then millions of students would've gotten better grades in school!
Senator Johnson Answers Constituent Calls During Debt Ceiling Debate
Um, no. As a constitutent, I called his office, spoke to Senator Johnson's staff and asked specifically which programs he would cut if the Cut Cap Balance that he supported so much was passed. I received a form letter telling me quite literally nothing. If that's his idea of "answering" then millions of students would've gotten better grades in school!
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