February 12, 2008
Greg Nickels Hearts Condos
Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels either loves condos or he hates renters. The Mayor's Office has indefinitely frozen a $350,000 fund created to compensate Seattle area renters who'd been forced out of housing due to condo-conversions. Mayor Nickels wants to wait and see if the legislature passes a statewide bail-out funded by developers this winter. Because it makes perfect sense to rely on the people who are profiting most off of Seattle renter's misery.
If you're a Seattle renter, like we are, you've probably been forced out of at least one great home or apartment, only to watch a townhome or condo sprout up in its place. Since 2004, Seattle has lost over 6,000 rental units to condo-conversion. Had the fund not been put on hold, it would have provided up to $1500 cash to ease the cost of moving for tenants who made less than 30% of the city's median income. There would have been smaller cash amounts available to help displaced renters who made between 31-80% of the median income.
While, the cities Human Services Department spokesperson Sara Levin said, "we're only on hold for the next few weeks," local affordable housing advocates have already expressed their displeasure with the Mayor's plan. Seattle housing advocate John Fox had this to say:
"We worked our butts off to get the money in the first place and that he would take it out of (the hands of) tenants like that is absolutely outrageous."Also none too pleased? The City Council, who was not informed of the Mayor's decision to halt funding. Councilmember Tim Burgess, who is chair of the Council's Human Services Committee, has asked for at least $50,000 to be released from the fund to help families displaced in January and February.
Does the mayor's halting of funds affect you? Have you lost a home or apartment to condo-conversion?
photo titled, "HowDoYouReallyFeel?" courtesy of Seattlest flickr group contributor, ~wesa~'s
| 
add to stumble upon
add to reddit
email this
add to facebook
add to del.icio.us
[ report this ]
Yes, I was forced out of Ballard due to "urban style townhomes" replacing my mid-century modern building. Even though I'd been unemployed and temping for four months, I made "too much" to qualify for assistance and yet not enough to afford first last security in this rental market. It didn't help that my landlords were scheisty jackasses. Thankfully, I found a wonderful place to move into with the nicest landlord I could have asked for. Best part? It's already condo-ed, so there will be no moving, and I'v let my landlord know that I'd like to buy my place if he ever considers selling. Also-- SO glad I'm out of Ballard.
Loved Greg Nickles getting booed at the Obama rally. I was right there with the crowd. He does nothing to support the very people who make Seattle such a great place to live. Why not release the assistance money that's been set aside? What is going on?
[ report this ]
I was forced out of my apt in Greenwood, but lived in the unit until I was only one of two people left...and the only female. I was surrounded by workers day and night yet my landlord didn't think I had any need to worry, even though the workers had keys to my unit. I intended to stay until I could qualify for some kind of assistance, but finally left. It wasn't worth the money to live there during reconstruction.
The only sympathy I got was when I insisted my landlord and I meet face to face. Once he saw I was a petite, young woman, he started treating me a lot better. Even offered to help me move.
[ report this ]
On the plus side, a lot of the condos aren't selling right now so they're turning into apartments.
This happens in every major city, but I know who's NOT getting re-elected.
After this, the homeless, and transportation policies set forth by the mayor, he's so done.