The Observation Deck

A friend of mine recently related a conversation he had with the owner of a three family house in Lakewood. The house is across the street from where my friend lives.

The owner was all excited about the prospect of guaranteed rental payments from a new group based in Avon Lake. Apparently the group has started a program to relocate low income people to Lakewood as part of a help the poor program.

The general idea is for this group to pay for the first six months rent and utilities, provide job search help and assistance in signing up for whatever benefits are available to Lakewood residents. I got the impression that after six months they would be on their own. He said the initial target is 50 families.

The landlord thought my friend would be all excited about his new neighbors. He isn't.

Has anyone else heard of this program?

Interesting point you raise whether or not the church story is true,
Question:
What's better (or worse) for Lakewood? Low income tenants or empty units?
Think about it, not so simple. Would be interested to hear the case for either side?

Dee Martinez wrote: What's better (or worse) for Lakewood? Low income tenants or empty units?

That's a good point.

As the middle class seeks opportunities elswhere Lakewood is faced with either a high number of vacancies or fully rented suites rented to people with little or no income who are heavy users of government services.

Perhaps their is a third way: A real housing program.

On a personal level: This friend of mine has lived in his house for more than thirty years. What was once a quiet neighborhood of middle class people has become a mini combat zone. He looks forward to winter so he can get a good nights sleep. He is ready to throw in the towel.

It's changed where I live as well. It's hard to sleep when the neighbors in the building next door are partying and smoking marijuana at 2am.

Bill/Dee/David

A combat zone?!

Partying till 2 am?

Dare I say we are beginning to show our age.

Lakewood's future is not low cost rentals to those that cannot afford it. If that is the case then get ready for higher and higher taxes, as the rest of us pay for the city services others cannot afford. Dee to answer your question - I will take another month of empty rentals over the years of underwriting the city services they cannot pay for.

Lakewood's future is to educate landlords on ways to get more money from their tenants, offer nicer properties and educate them in all aspects of owning property.

The problem with Naumann and many others going through court is that they are over extended, using the get rich quick plan for rentals and property. They have no choice but to take the guaranteed but much money. If they do not their empire of slums tumble.

Having owned rental property for many years, quality housing while waiting for quality tennets pays big dividends. It pays dividends in less problems, more responsibility, less maintenance, and quality neighbors.

One of the few ways I see pulling Lakewood out of this malaise is to have the entire city crank it up a notch or three on all levels. But the secret for good rental prices, are safe, clean and fun, and accept nothing less than the neighbor you want to live next to.

Otherwise get ready to ride the very fast and slippery slope to the bottom.

Are we all so blind as to think there is not low cost housing in Avon, Avon Lake, Lorain. Lorain makes Lakewood look like West Palm Beach. Yet another op to put the dagger in the heart of Lakewood from yet another church outside the city.

If churches see Lakewood as the dumping ground for people they want to help, but not live with, what do you think the rest of the region thinks of Lakewood? Yet another indicator on how regionalism will play out for Lakewood.


FWIW


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Jim O'Bryan wrote: Partying till 2 am?

Yes, this happens on a regular basis in the building next door.

I don't have a problem with the parties...but when it impedes on my peace and quiet, as well as my neighbors, that's when I have a problem.

I've called LPD numerous times about it. They have come and talked with the offenders...but it still continues.

Dee Martinez wrote: Question:
What's better (or worse) for Lakewood? Low income tenants or empty units?

Answer: empty units

David Lay wrote:I don't have a problem with the parties...but when it impedes on my peace and quiet, as well as my neighbors, that's when I have a problem.

Oh, so if you are at the party it is OK?

This is one reason we tell our tenants, if it is a big party, invite the neighbors.




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No, it is OK when it isn't loud and disturbing the neighbors.

Jim O'Bryan wrote:
Having owned rental property for many years, quality housing while waiting for quality tennets pays big dividends. It pays dividends in less problems, more responsibility, less maintenance, and quality neighbors.

One of the few ways I see pulling Lakewood out of this malaise is to have the entire city crank it up a notch or three on all levels. But the secret for good rental prices, are safe, clean and fun, and accept nothing less than the neighbor you want to live next to.



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Id like to ask you to clarify something. You and other property owners have made this assertion several times. Keep your rentals attractive clean and in good working order and youll have no problem attracting fair market value from private renters.
You realize of course that you are also implying the logical reverse. If you have to go Sec 8 it means you HAVENT been keeping the property up.
Is that indeed what youre saying? Is that supported by evidence? Are there stories that can be told of good-faith Lakewood property owners who were nonetheless forced into the subsidized game by a sheer lack of demand?

Im agnostic on this. No preconceived notions but its an important point to examine IMO.

You don't know who these people are. Give me a break. These could be people who lost their jobs due to outsourcing and just need a new start. They could be the salt of the earth. They could have gone bankrupt due to medical expenses for a sick child. (By the way the number 1 reason for bankruptcies is medical expenses.) Many of us have needed help from time to time. Some of us are luckier than others and can ask a parent or friend if we need help. For some that friend is a church.

Can we judge people by the quality of their character and not their pocketbook? This is a church that is doing this - and I would assume that these are parisioners, so I doubt that you have people drinking or using drugs or doing other anti-social behavior.

The church is helping with job search according to the resident. They are helping the people to be self sufficient. Isn't this better than giving people tents to live under the bridge downtown?

I just thought I would share a song that we sing in Church - which was popular when I was young and I love it. The point of it is we all need each other. None of us don't need a little help from time to time - maybe not financial - but does what type of help we need matter? The chorus brings that out beautifully.

Lean On Me

Sometime in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise we know that there's
Always tomorrow

Lean on me when you're not strong and
I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride if I have things
You need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
that you won't let show

Just call on me brother when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long till 'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Just call on me brother when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on

If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road, I'll share your load
if you just call me

Just call me when you need a friend
Just call me when you need a friend...

Dee Martinez wrote:
Id like to ask you to clarify something. You and other property owners have made this assertion several times. Keep your rentals attractive clean and in good working order and youll have no problem attracting fair market value from private renters.
You realize of course that you are also implying the logical reverse. If you have to go Sec 8 it means you HAVENT been keeping the property up.
Is that indeed what youre saying? Is that supported by evidence? Are there stories that can be told of good-faith Lakewood property owners who were nonetheless forced into the subsidized game by a sheer lack of demand?

Im agnostic on this. No preconceived notions but its an important point to examine IMO.

Dee

I had let my house sit empty for six months until we found the person that could truly afford it. This was not about Section 8 or not. We interviewed many people with section 8 vouchers.

It was frustrating waiting, but during that time we worked on the house, repainted, fixed items, and held on until a "responsible" renter was found. This is not saying that responsible renters cannot be Section 8. It means a person that would care for the property and live up to the contract.

Did we lose money, not really first tenants stayed 7 years as they could not find anything comparable, while they saved to buy a house. Even made an offer on the house we turned down. This group has been there three years. However I have to admit I am not your typical landlord. i remember what I wanted in a landlord when I rented and try to be that person. We offer no lease, everyone is month to month, so that I have to keep them happy and they have to keep my wife and I happy. Simple arraignment.

However I do know of many landlords that have many doubles that are in it for the money. They feel their bottom line is all that matters month to month, when I feel they should be looking at year to year or years to years.

I know of owners forced into subsidized housing, because they could not afford the property they owned. One missed payment and the whole thing collapses. Look at Naumann the landlord forced to live in his apartment. It would seem he was very over extended. Behind in taxes, and utilities, opted for the check.

Another interesting look would be at this church and others, that seem to have singled out Lakewood as the dumping ground for their good deeds. Almost saying Lakewood is far enough away, let's dump them here. In stead of even bothering to look at the city and say, what a nice town, let's place them here.

i have gotten into it with LO Board members as we talk about helping the poor. This has cropped up here before, to Gary Rice's disgust. The fact remains how many poor can we help before it becomes a crushing burden to the city. Studies have shown us, that poor need more medical, and financial help than lets say a middle class family. How much can we spend on those city services. How much of the burden can we afford before it overwhelms us?

I believe that Gary and myself would give it all away to help the poor. But that makes no sense for a city that is currently in financial trouble. The hardest decision in the world has to be how many do you let into a lifeboat. All that you can safely fit? Or as many that can jump in there by sinking the life boat and adding to the list of fatalities.



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Lynn

I take great offense at your remark if you are talking to me.

How do you know we don't know who they are.

I have spoken with the Somalians refugees now living in Lakewood. Look at my photos. I have an appointment to meet with some Burmese refugees coming to Lakewood, and am delighted to do it. The Somalis I have met are some of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to spend time with.

The simple question is: What can the city afford? When does the city say, what is wrong with your city that you cannot fit your own in? Do you really believe there is no low cost housing in Avon Lake?

While some dream of segmenting the city with gates and locks, I am hoping to see it stay solvent in one piece with a future.

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Thanks for the reply.

I guess my bigger point is that people dont seem to grasp that Sec 8 is not independent of free market forces. If you build a luxury apt complex and private renters are wiling to pay $900 a month for it you dont need to go Sec 8. However if the market is soft and you cant make the note on the double and Countywide is breathing down your neck, Sec 8 is not only a lifeline for the tenant, its a lifeline for YOU, too.

Its not always about a quick buck. Its about keeping your investment or losing it, even if you had the best of intentions.

As for the church thing, the details Mr. Call laid our were sketchy so I think we need more info here. I do have a problem if a Lorain County church decided to make decisions that materially affected Lakewood. I have a hard time believing that Lorain Elyira and N Ridgeville ould not be options too.

Dee

I don't own a Ferrari.

Not because I couldn't buy one.

Because I could not afford to keep it running.

Responsibility, is a building block to life and neighborhoods.

When the Otto Lombardo was forced to sell the Hope House it seemed criminal. Otto had a long list of unfortunate things that took his life to a point of financial stress. i had a talk with Otto, in the end he realized, the house was one of the problems not the cures in his financial world.

When people buy property they cannot afford, it will eventually become run down and tattered.

The two questions are: How many can we help? and How many times can we afford to look the other way on property when it affects the value of property elsewhere on the street and city?

Let's leave emotions out of this for now.

What can Lakewood afford, and how much are you willing to increase our taxes to help these and other families?

FWIW


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