'Affordable' housing conversion coming to my area. . .

[Cudedog]

Good morning, everyone.

Thought I would throw this one out, I am looking for comments both pro and con.

Here is the deal: I live down the street and just around the corner (no more than about 200 yards or so) from an old (at least fifty years old), two story, large-ish, hotel/motel complex that is pretty much on the skids (and has been on the skids from before the pandemic happened).

I received a letter from the City Manager of the city I live in. The letter is announcing a meeting (I didn't receive the letter until after the meeting date had already passed) stating that Habitat for Humanity has petitioned the City to convert this hotel complex into an 'affordable housing project' (meaning low income/no income housing).

I have a lot of mixed feelings about this.

I live in an economically-depressed area anyway (yes, we do have them in California) and I do understand the need for this kind of housing.

However, I am also aware that this kind of project can lead to serious issues like increased crime (drugs are already a problem here, there are gangs, there has also been a couple of random shootings close to my home in the last two weeks already - one killed, two to hospital).

I am also concerned about how an ancient, run-down, motel complex with tiny rooms, (maybe a bed, a bathroom and a sink - no stoves, refrigerators, etc.), can be converted into "housing".

I am really trying not to be a nimby person (not-in-my-back-yard), but I confess that this proposal has me very seriously concerned.

I have always appreciated how we can all discuss things here on Beth's forum. I would appreciate hearing all of your thoughts on this. Anyone's/everyone's.

Thank you.

Anne

[Shirlv]

Anne, I understand your concerns but what are your options? Will you live with new neighbors or move. Hopefully you have a way to find the cities decisions quickly. Would think you have plenty of time to sell if that is an option. #2 granddaughter sold her house and has moved into an rv while new house is being built. You have dreamed of moving so maybe life is giving you a nudge. You can also think about thing to do that would make you home more safe if you stay. It’s a difficult decision which gets harder as we age. Good luck let us know what you decide. ((Hugs))

[OregonLuvr]

Since the Almeda fire they have converted several hotels to single family housing in Ashland and Medford. So far they seem to vet the people very well. They have cooking facilities, refrigerators etc so actually a mini apartment. So far people down there seem ok with it.

[MandysMom]

I concur with Shirl and add. Here probably 20 years ago, they took a run down, empty motel and did such a conversion. In some cases, they combined 2 rooms ( think where a doorways already existed with a lockable door facing each room, and turned them into family units. It's been well run all these years. The residents are vetted and must
meet certain requirements such as drug testing, and attend various meetings, such as how to apply for a job, how to write a resume, budgeting, nutrition, etc. they don't comply, they are kicked out. It's given a boost back into regular society for single parents and families down on their luck. So, I'd say, ask questions. Who will run it? What will requirements be? Where will funding come from. What's the Chief of Police opinion on it?
Are you in the NextDoor for your neighborhood app? Our City announces meetings there among other placs such as their Facebook page.
If you want to learn about Roseville's place: google The Gathering Place. You will see they provide full wrap around services to clients.
If you think moving on is in your best interest, decide quick as Feds are planning to raise interest rates again, which may affect prices selling or buying.
Velda

[Bethers]

My cousin works on homes for habitat and they are built in and around where his retirement home is in a great area and town. Habitat vets the people they build for and everyone is them he's met has made him work harder. The fact that they are involved would alleviate my fears. I'd be more worried if the buildings been sitting and don't get this care. But decide what's best for you and I agree with Velda if selling is your decision, I'd do that sooner rather than later .

[Shirlv]

Beth, Thanks for the reminder. I had forgotten the the future owners work on their homes. That makes a big difference. Pride of ownership makes good neighbors,

[snowball]

Habitat is a good program and has helped a lot of people... if it was some Joe blow taking the building and opening it under a different term I'd hesitate but I think with habitat behind it that it should be a good thing... but you do what you need to for you and your Joe...
sheila

[MandysMom]

I don't thnk owning or sweat equity was mentioned in renovating a old motel. I'd want to know for sure details such as how long Habitat will be involved and if future residents will be involved. This project oscwaybdifferentthan building a home for a single family.
Velda