CENTERVILLE —
Dear Editor,
Affordable housing is not an issue in Centerville — employment is. At present time, economy in decline, job loses evident, multiple affordable homes are for sale by realtors and individuals, yet many set empty. The same is true of available affordable rental properties, as well. This is not the time for more homes to be built, only time for more full-time jobs, with decent wages and benefits.
Cohen Esrey Real Estate Services LLC, in coordination with the city, are latching on to a governmental-funded project and fully intend to run with it. Since our tax dollars go into federal- and state-funded projects, it may seem logical to be on the receiving end; however, regardless of the fact that Commissioner Crego states "it is an incredible opportunity," this project is totally unnecessary.
This project is to build low- to- moderate-income homes. The amount, price, square footage and location have vacillated from the onset. Why so much discrepancy in information? Why so much information not being offered? There is more unknown than known.
Who is responsible for the taxes, insurance, repairs? Will guaranteed occupancy be required before building — if not, what if homes sit empty? Why was no commitment made for local contractural help nor purchasing goods locally?
Make no mistake, one thing is for sure — $120,000-$160,000, 1,300 or 1,600 or 1,800 square footage, $600-$650 a month for rent-to-own homes cannot be constructed as low- to moderate-income homes.
If city officials wish to proceed with this project, they will no matter what and it appears they have every intention to do so; therefore, in the long-run the prognosis will be detrimental to local realtors, individual home owners with homes currently on the market for sale, owners of rental properties with rental homes, many of the above sitting empty.
This project is truly, undoubtly an unnecessary project and may prove counter productive.
This city has far more important issues to address and hopefully in the future they may discover the ability to do so.
Respectfully submitted
Kathy Cooprider
Centerville
Editorials
January 31, 2012
Centerville needs jobs, not houses
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