|
Post by Ed Rosenberg on Feb 20, 2005 14:49:39 GMT -5
Let's try out the poll option and see what you think about the issue of affordable housing in Wildwood.
|
|
|
Post by DooWopper on Feb 20, 2005 19:18:40 GMT -5
I think it's a good idea.
|
|
|
Post by FlyinGN on Feb 21, 2005 6:08:48 GMT -5
I think it can work. Good idea..
Frank
|
|
|
Post by Ed Rosenberg on Feb 21, 2005 7:31:17 GMT -5
Hmmm...unless I have missed something, I don't think we can vote. The one "yes" vote came from me when I created this poll.
|
|
JIMD
Full Member
Posts: 221
|
Post by JIMD on Feb 21, 2005 16:43:09 GMT -5
Low income housing in a tourist destination is not wise. As much as I hate the Condos drive away from the boardwalk in Wildwood during the summer, it's not a pretty site. The people causing alot of the problems on the boardwalk at night live in WW, they aren't all visitors
|
|
|
Post by Ed Rosenberg on Feb 21, 2005 18:23:24 GMT -5
Low income housing in a tourist destination is not wise. Practically, I see it as quite necessary. Low wage earners are of vital importance to a community like Wildwood. Without them...both private and public services would be hit hard. There would be slow service...or no service in both areas. I can also see taxes increasing as well as the cost for services throughout the tourist industry. Yep...Wildwood needs its low wage earners...and they need housing. By the way, I saw a sign of things to come today. Our local K-Mart must be desperately in need of employees. Help Wanted signs have been planted all around the outside of the store in Rio Grande. I have never seen this done before.
|
|
JIMD
Full Member
Posts: 221
|
Post by JIMD on Feb 21, 2005 19:16:10 GMT -5
ED, While it all sounds good having low income housing just doesn't work, it actually puts more of a burden on the system. Tax money pays for the property to be built, maintained and subsidizes the rent. Many of these people will be on state subsistance. Many of the kids will get reduced prices on lunches at school. Property values in the area goes down, enrollment at area schools goes up as does crime. This all cost the taxpayer. WW imports workers from Ireland for the busy season, there is actually a waiting list to come over and work. It's a great system for the WW's as it doesn't put a strwain on the city financially. Look at what having a Walmart in town does to the city www.aflcio.org/corporateamerica/walmart/main.cfm
|
|
|
Post by Ed Rosenberg on Feb 23, 2005 20:14:04 GMT -5
I don't know, Jim.
Wildwood, as far as I know, only utilizes international workers during the season. Off season jobs still must be filled by our locals. With the rise of the Euro, I think more kids would be inclined to find employment in favorable European Union nations...so the availabilty of foreign students may be in jeopardy. I believe the Immigration Department is also making it a bit tougher, too, these days.
As I mentioned earlier, Wildwood Crest had an issue last year with a potential loss of state money due to a drop in low income school children in its district. This loss would have had to be made up by the taxpayer.
I have driven by a low income housing project near center city in Philly a number of times during the last couple of years. It is built in row home/townhouse style...not your typical "projects." It seems to be holding up well.
Rental assistance, while it is taxpayer money as well as are school aid and grants, comes from the federal and state government.
I don't know, Jim. It seems as though Wildwood may be soon dependent on its low income locals even more than it has in its recent past and, if they are not taken care of in one way, then the alternative is paying a living wage which could be pretty high when you consider escalating local housing costs.
Jim, Wildwood needs its trash collectors, city truck drivers, cashiers, maids, gardeners...
|
|
|
Post by Ed Rosenberg on Feb 23, 2005 20:48:00 GMT -5
A couple of more thoughts...
As I mentioned on this thread or somewhere else, Wildwood needs its kids. They were, and I am sure still are, a significant segment of the seasonal workers pool.
Low income youth crime...
That could be tackled when these kids are babies. Get them into the Imagination Library which is discussed in a posting that I made earlier this evening on "Think and Act Inclusively." Get them into books...free books. Include every young boy and girl on the island. Make them feel special and a vital part of the community.
|
|
|
Post by FlyinGN on Feb 24, 2005 8:07:47 GMT -5
bless you Ed..
|
|
|
Post by Ed Rosenberg on Feb 24, 2005 8:27:12 GMT -5
Here is a FAQ page provided by the National Low Income Housing Coalition: www.nlihc.org/resources/faq.htmPerhaps, this may stimulate some ideas within the Wildwoods.
|
|
|
Post by Ed Rosenberg on Feb 24, 2005 8:35:12 GMT -5
Thank you. It appears as though my work has been accepted by The DWPL. May it serve them and all of the Wildwoods...and our county...well. As a great man said... "Let's roll." Yep...let's rock and roll in DooWopville and strive to include everyone...in all ways possible.
|
|
|
Post by Ed Rosenberg on Feb 24, 2005 10:54:32 GMT -5
While I am thinking of it...
Too many of us believe "affordable" is a buzz word for low income housing.
Affordable Housing is inclusive of moderate income wage earners, too.
|
|
|
Post by FlyinGN on Feb 24, 2005 11:23:37 GMT -5
yes, affordable is realistic prices.. The way most of the condos are made (I am in construction) they are only worth about $70-95k tops.. Tharts a fair and realistic price IMHO.
|
|
|
Post by Ed Rosenberg on Feb 24, 2005 12:04:10 GMT -5
I am a teacher for whom Fate had different plans.
I am in the septic business and have been on the streets for twenty plus years locally...so I understand what you are talking about. I have seen outrageous things happen over the years...even more so recently.
I tell you.
I would rather lose money and do without than get over on someone.
Integrity and fairness are very important to me.
I am starting to learn what is, perhaps, going on in the Wildwood condo construction business, and I just wouldn't do the sort of things I am hearing about these days.
Yep...a little more integrity and fairness just might make some of those condos a bit more affordable.
|
|