I really am having a hard time trying to start this piece.
There's so many nuances of importance that add to and affect my feelings on the health care reform issue, but I'm afraid to expound too much on some of them for fear of taking away from my overall point, and, of course, of rambling on a bit, which I can slide into easily.
So, I will trudge forward and hope that you all will follow with patience.
I was waiting at my bus stop for the 46 to arrive around 9:15 Wednesday morning to check out the Tea Party Express rally, I wanted to see for myself what was being said. Up pulled a supervisor's van instead of the bus. Seems 46 broke down with air pressure problems at around 7:30 a.m. I thought it was great I still had a ride to scope out the rally but then I also wondered how people in wheelchairs in the NE that were relying on a bus with a lift/ramp were going to get there? (A working bus DID meet us at NorthGate)
On the bus was a gentleman I had seen around the Walmart/Trans Mtn area. Maybe late 40s or early 50s, raggedy clothes, with his cane and his walker with a seat. I have spoken with him before while waiting for buses. I know some of his plight and that he is waiting for SS/Disability to kick in. In the meantime he resorts to panhandling, walking (if you wanna call it that) the rock median and asking for help from passersby. Now before you judge- I have never smelled alcohol on this man's breath nor does he seem to have other characteristics to imply other socially unacceptable problems, except that he doesn't have a job and is disabled. He was sitting on the bus praying with a dollar in his cupped hands- and it wasn't a quick one. He then took his package of 2 poptarts and was praying over that. It was quite a humbling site, and ironic, as I was heading to a group of people at the Tea Party that I feel don't want to be their brother's keeper.
I cried behind my sunglasses.
And I cried that I did not have any money to give him as I live paycheck to paycheck, literally. And this was right before payday. But that day I did not feel hopeless for him, in fact the opposite. He had someone on his side stronger than me and I felt it!
So I exited the bus right at Sue Young Park and started walking to the gathering. The parking lot was full of cars and no one got off the bus with me. I was met with people trying to sell me "Don't Tread on Me" flags and pieces of conversation- mainly of the nature breaking down to "us and them". But there were two "thems". Government and Democrats.
It was not "us Americans" plurally.
Cds, books and t-shirts were being sold, also. Nothing was free. Everything had a price. Go Capitalism! The new religion of the selfish! (just a smidgen of sarcasm) I looked around for someone possibly giving out water- none. I was amazed I didn't even see anyone SELLING water- what an opportunity missed! (I've never been to this park and didn't know if there was a water fountain somewhere)
I wasn't walking around with a mini flag, no buttons stating how American I am, no military affiliation colors worn- just me. A free American trying to understand another's point of view.
The thing is, there are many valid points made by some at these rallies. Unfortunately, alot of them are drowned out by the more vocal and radical. Some feel they need to be extreme or dramatic to make their point, which I feel is counter-productive. The fact that health care needs to be reformed is a strong enough point.
If we came together as united Americans we would have more numbers and a bigger impact, and then work out the finer details together.
Anyway, I'm walking around and listening. You could say my ears were perked. The signs that were being held up were everywhere, shouting out the words socialist! marxist! muslim! my money!
It was getting quite hot and humid and I was looking forward to going home and having some cool water. A funny thought ran across my mind. What if I passed out right here in front of everyone from heat exhaustion or dehydration? Would any of these people help me up?
And I thought of the man on the bus, and now probably sweating out there in the street at Trans Mtn/Woodrow Bean, and I was hoping he had enough money for lunch.
And I wondered how long he'd have to be out there before the government powers that be and people that only see him as a beggar decided he was poor enough and sick enough to be worthy of help?
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
"Can I borrow a cup of sugar Tom Bohannon?"
Did anyone read the El Paso Times story on the city council agenda item coming up for consideration Tuesday on developers wanting to change building code and the disabled community's opposition?
I wouldn't have, as I don't read the EP Times- can't even get it delivered properly to my home, let alone their "investigative reporting" is quite lacking.
But a friend of mine called and told me about it so I looked it up online.
The EP Times wrote that Victor Torres, development services director, stated "he met with developers and that the 5% rule was one area identified as a barrier to building more apartments"
WHY DIDN'T VICTOR TORRES MEET WITH ANYONE FROM THE ELDERLY/DISABLED COMMUNITY AND GET THEIR SIDE? I'm sure ADAPT/Pact would have welcomed him in a discussion on accessible housing, let alone senior centers, Volar, Project Bravo etal.
The EP Times further writes "Under the city's existing ordinance, 5% of all ground floor apartments must offer roll-in showers for handicapped accessibility." said Bill Bennett, a city coordinator"
BILL BENNETT IS NOT JUST A NON-DESCRIPT CITY COORDINATOR AS STATED BY THE EP TIMES- BILL BENNETT IS THE ADA COORDINATOR!!!!! That's Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator. Hello?
"Apartment developer Tom Bohannon said there was not enough demand for the 5% rule to make sense.""Bohannon Development Corp. owns and manages 1,000 apartment units in El Paso. Of those, he said 50 are fully-equipped for disabled people, as required by city law, and 390 can easily be converted for that use." "Of those 440 units, I have 1 person in a wheelchair" he said."
SEE HOW TOM BOHANNON LIKES TO USE NUMBERS TO WORK IN HIS FAVOR??? REMEMBER- I WENT TO LOOK AT HIS APARTMENTS AT THE POINTE AND WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE UNITS AVAILABLE AND NO ONE EVER OFFERED TO CONVERT ONE FOR ME!!!! TOM BOHANNON ONLY HAS 1 PERSON IN A WHEELCHAIR IN ALL HIS 1,000 APARTMENTS???? WHY DOESN'T TOM BOHANNON WANT PEOPLE IN WHEELCHAIRS IN HIS UNITS??? WHAT DOES HE HAVE AGAINST THE DISABLED???? DOES THAT INCREASE HIS INSURANCE? OR ARE THE DISABLED A BLIGHT IN HIS EYES?
"Bohannon says it's tough to rent disabled-accessible units to non-disabled residents. He has to offer discounts to fill them up".
THIS STATEMENT SHOULD OUTRAGE US ALL!!! NOT ONLY IS BOHANNON NOT TRYING TO RENT THESE UNITS TO DISABLED PERSONS- HE WOULD RATHER GIVE A NON-DISABLED PERSON A DISCOUNT FOR LIVING IN AN ACCESSIBLE APARTMENT THAN RENT IT TO THE PEOPLE WHOSE USE IT IS INTENDED!!!! THIS IS WALKING A VERY FINE LINE OF DISCRIMINATION!!!
Now, not all disabled persons are in wheelchairs. Some are heart patients, the elderly with balance and other health issues, or any other disability that may not be apparent just from looking at the outside of a person. But Bohannon brought up wheelchairs for some reason. Is that how he compartmentalizes disabled persons? I already got into the argument in another post about affordability- but this looks more and more like not advertising to the disabled/elderly community and I can only come to the opinion that it is because he doesn't want to rent to that sector of our community. For whatever reasons- financial, personal, I don't know.
Either way- there is a need for accessible housing, and done in a fair way. Normally I'd say boycott the guy that doesn't want the disabled community in his apartments- but in this case I say to my disabled and elderly brothers and sisters- get your pens ready and let's all go apply for an apartment with Bohannon!!! Let's be his neighbor and long-term!!! Let's look him in the face everyday and say "I am here and I'm not going anywhere soon and can I borrow a cup of sugar?"
And ask him for a discount because we don't like the aesthetics of his accessible units.
I wouldn't have, as I don't read the EP Times- can't even get it delivered properly to my home, let alone their "investigative reporting" is quite lacking.
But a friend of mine called and told me about it so I looked it up online.
The EP Times wrote that Victor Torres, development services director, stated "he met with developers and that the 5% rule was one area identified as a barrier to building more apartments"
WHY DIDN'T VICTOR TORRES MEET WITH ANYONE FROM THE ELDERLY/DISABLED COMMUNITY AND GET THEIR SIDE? I'm sure ADAPT/Pact would have welcomed him in a discussion on accessible housing, let alone senior centers, Volar, Project Bravo etal.
The EP Times further writes "Under the city's existing ordinance, 5% of all ground floor apartments must offer roll-in showers for handicapped accessibility." said Bill Bennett, a city coordinator"
BILL BENNETT IS NOT JUST A NON-DESCRIPT CITY COORDINATOR AS STATED BY THE EP TIMES- BILL BENNETT IS THE ADA COORDINATOR!!!!! That's Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator. Hello?
"Apartment developer Tom Bohannon said there was not enough demand for the 5% rule to make sense.""Bohannon Development Corp. owns and manages 1,000 apartment units in El Paso. Of those, he said 50 are fully-equipped for disabled people, as required by city law, and 390 can easily be converted for that use." "Of those 440 units, I have 1 person in a wheelchair" he said."
SEE HOW TOM BOHANNON LIKES TO USE NUMBERS TO WORK IN HIS FAVOR??? REMEMBER- I WENT TO LOOK AT HIS APARTMENTS AT THE POINTE AND WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE UNITS AVAILABLE AND NO ONE EVER OFFERED TO CONVERT ONE FOR ME!!!! TOM BOHANNON ONLY HAS 1 PERSON IN A WHEELCHAIR IN ALL HIS 1,000 APARTMENTS???? WHY DOESN'T TOM BOHANNON WANT PEOPLE IN WHEELCHAIRS IN HIS UNITS??? WHAT DOES HE HAVE AGAINST THE DISABLED???? DOES THAT INCREASE HIS INSURANCE? OR ARE THE DISABLED A BLIGHT IN HIS EYES?
"Bohannon says it's tough to rent disabled-accessible units to non-disabled residents. He has to offer discounts to fill them up".
THIS STATEMENT SHOULD OUTRAGE US ALL!!! NOT ONLY IS BOHANNON NOT TRYING TO RENT THESE UNITS TO DISABLED PERSONS- HE WOULD RATHER GIVE A NON-DISABLED PERSON A DISCOUNT FOR LIVING IN AN ACCESSIBLE APARTMENT THAN RENT IT TO THE PEOPLE WHOSE USE IT IS INTENDED!!!! THIS IS WALKING A VERY FINE LINE OF DISCRIMINATION!!!
Now, not all disabled persons are in wheelchairs. Some are heart patients, the elderly with balance and other health issues, or any other disability that may not be apparent just from looking at the outside of a person. But Bohannon brought up wheelchairs for some reason. Is that how he compartmentalizes disabled persons? I already got into the argument in another post about affordability- but this looks more and more like not advertising to the disabled/elderly community and I can only come to the opinion that it is because he doesn't want to rent to that sector of our community. For whatever reasons- financial, personal, I don't know.
Either way- there is a need for accessible housing, and done in a fair way. Normally I'd say boycott the guy that doesn't want the disabled community in his apartments- but in this case I say to my disabled and elderly brothers and sisters- get your pens ready and let's all go apply for an apartment with Bohannon!!! Let's be his neighbor and long-term!!! Let's look him in the face everyday and say "I am here and I'm not going anywhere soon and can I borrow a cup of sugar?"
And ask him for a discount because we don't like the aesthetics of his accessible units.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Representative Robinson's Breakfast Meeting
Ok, attended the weekly breakfast meeting Robinson held at Denny's yesterday.
Besides a couple of county and city employees, I believe I was one of the youngest people in attendance. I just don't understand the apathy of "younger" people not being interested in their city/county/state/country and their elected officials.
They're busy living their lives, but this is part of life!
When I was in school full-time and working full-time I still had time to go to different rallies and meetings, not all, though. Even managed to squeeze in a couple of anti-war protests.
And this September 11th, again, I will place a poster in my window or yard remembering and honoring my childhood friend, Robert Talhami, who was killed in the Twin Towers attack.
Anyway- back to the meeting. We didn't get into much discussion about health care reform, it was more about BRAC and housing and energy needs, very interesting, though.
I liked what Shapleigh was saying about pushing for solar energy for new housing and how now is an opportune time to become a leader in that industry.
He also spoke of preserving Castner Range and all the NE has to offer.
Arne Schonberger, an attorney and member of the City's Accessibility Advisory Committee, spoke about the city council's upcoming agenda item regarding reducing the number of handicap accessible units from 5 per 100 down to 2. He asked a really valid question- he asked people there when was the last time one of you took a bath? There were a few snickers about hygiene but most people agreed that baths were in their past (remember- this was an older crowd) and the general concensus was that most people showered and that it is safer not to have a bathtub to step/fall over. A step-in or roll-in shower is safer.
He also got into speaking about Bohannon and brought up a lawsuit between Bohannon and some employee but Robinson cut him off stating Bohannon wasn't here to defend himself so he didn't want to get into speculation.
Being an attorney I wish Arne had brought a copy of that lawsuit if it concluded- then maybe he would have had more bite as to facts and the argument would have been a moot point as the conclusion would be he had his day in court and his chance to defend himself. I'm really curious to hear what that case was all about.
You see, Bohannon is involved with the agenda item builders are trying to push through about changing city code to build 2 units per 100 instead of 5 handicap accessible units.
Back to Robinson. He spoke about trying to bring businesses to the NE and spoke about buildings having retail on the bottom floor and residences above, all very positive ideas. It's nice to hear ideas and plans for growth. NEsiders can complain all day or do something about improving our neighborhood.
Norma Favela also spoke at the end regarding running for District Clerk. Too bad she didn't come earlier, the audience was pretty restless by the time she spoke. She is currently the chief deputy tax assessor- collector.
I wanted to speak with all these people at the end of the meeting but I had been up all night and was starting to hit "the wall" and just wanted to go home and rest. I shook hands with Representative Robinson and told him "have a good night"- so it was time for me to shut up and leave before I said anything else stupid.
(No- I wasn't up all night partying- couldn't do that even if I had the inclination, I just can't hang like I used to, nor do I want to).
All in all it was a positive meeting, even though some of it was canned, and I walked away with more hope for the NE.
Besides a couple of county and city employees, I believe I was one of the youngest people in attendance. I just don't understand the apathy of "younger" people not being interested in their city/county/state/country and their elected officials.
They're busy living their lives, but this is part of life!
When I was in school full-time and working full-time I still had time to go to different rallies and meetings, not all, though. Even managed to squeeze in a couple of anti-war protests.
And this September 11th, again, I will place a poster in my window or yard remembering and honoring my childhood friend, Robert Talhami, who was killed in the Twin Towers attack.
Anyway- back to the meeting. We didn't get into much discussion about health care reform, it was more about BRAC and housing and energy needs, very interesting, though.
I liked what Shapleigh was saying about pushing for solar energy for new housing and how now is an opportune time to become a leader in that industry.
He also spoke of preserving Castner Range and all the NE has to offer.
Arne Schonberger, an attorney and member of the City's Accessibility Advisory Committee, spoke about the city council's upcoming agenda item regarding reducing the number of handicap accessible units from 5 per 100 down to 2. He asked a really valid question- he asked people there when was the last time one of you took a bath? There were a few snickers about hygiene but most people agreed that baths were in their past (remember- this was an older crowd) and the general concensus was that most people showered and that it is safer not to have a bathtub to step/fall over. A step-in or roll-in shower is safer.
He also got into speaking about Bohannon and brought up a lawsuit between Bohannon and some employee but Robinson cut him off stating Bohannon wasn't here to defend himself so he didn't want to get into speculation.
Being an attorney I wish Arne had brought a copy of that lawsuit if it concluded- then maybe he would have had more bite as to facts and the argument would have been a moot point as the conclusion would be he had his day in court and his chance to defend himself. I'm really curious to hear what that case was all about.
You see, Bohannon is involved with the agenda item builders are trying to push through about changing city code to build 2 units per 100 instead of 5 handicap accessible units.
Back to Robinson. He spoke about trying to bring businesses to the NE and spoke about buildings having retail on the bottom floor and residences above, all very positive ideas. It's nice to hear ideas and plans for growth. NEsiders can complain all day or do something about improving our neighborhood.
Norma Favela also spoke at the end regarding running for District Clerk. Too bad she didn't come earlier, the audience was pretty restless by the time she spoke. She is currently the chief deputy tax assessor- collector.
I wanted to speak with all these people at the end of the meeting but I had been up all night and was starting to hit "the wall" and just wanted to go home and rest. I shook hands with Representative Robinson and told him "have a good night"- so it was time for me to shut up and leave before I said anything else stupid.
(No- I wasn't up all night partying- couldn't do that even if I had the inclination, I just can't hang like I used to, nor do I want to).
All in all it was a positive meeting, even though some of it was canned, and I walked away with more hope for the NE.
Tea Partiers Spiking the Drinks?
Checked out some Tea Party Express sites and blogs- made for some funny reading.
On one site there was a list of people in the El Paso area that wish to attend, hope to or can't.
"Militiasam" is hoping to.
A young woman from the NE side wants to attend even though her husband will be working- but she's in a quandary. See, she states that she doesn't drive and she's asking STRANGERS going to the Tea Party for a ride!
UMMM.......... hello.......... it's called mass transit- take the bus!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She's probably scared to ride the bus with those scary..... bus people! The poor, elderly, disabled, blue-collar working stiffs- you know- everyday real Americans- the uninsured or what she probably thinks are the leeches of society- the disabled.
So she'd rather go in a stranger's car - wonder how her hubby feels about that?
Hopefully she doesn't accept a ride with one of those crazies that's packin' an AK47 or what-not on his shoulder or hip- nothing like carrying a firearm to a free speech rally! My bad- it would be concealed in Texas. We're all trying to protect our constitutional rights, but carrying a firearm to a free speech rally is riding the fringe of intimidation.
Anyway- I'm sure DavidK will be there- maybe he'll be selling those 'Nobama" calendars, remember- capitalism is the end-all for him and it's everybody for himself. The good thing is the people buying those calendars will be just like him. I won't waste my money. Part of the proceeds of the calendars will be going into the Tea Party coffers which ends up where? In grassroots organizations or which politician's pocket?
I'm thinking of going to see this spectacle. I'm hoping other free-thinkers will be there, too.
I'll be taking the bus.
Hmmm- maybe that's why the young lady doesn't want to take the bus, no firearms are allowed.
On one site there was a list of people in the El Paso area that wish to attend, hope to or can't.
"Militiasam" is hoping to.
A young woman from the NE side wants to attend even though her husband will be working- but she's in a quandary. See, she states that she doesn't drive and she's asking STRANGERS going to the Tea Party for a ride!
UMMM.......... hello.......... it's called mass transit- take the bus!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She's probably scared to ride the bus with those scary..... bus people! The poor, elderly, disabled, blue-collar working stiffs- you know- everyday real Americans- the uninsured or what she probably thinks are the leeches of society- the disabled.
So she'd rather go in a stranger's car - wonder how her hubby feels about that?
Hopefully she doesn't accept a ride with one of those crazies that's packin' an AK47 or what-not on his shoulder or hip- nothing like carrying a firearm to a free speech rally! My bad- it would be concealed in Texas. We're all trying to protect our constitutional rights, but carrying a firearm to a free speech rally is riding the fringe of intimidation.
Anyway- I'm sure DavidK will be there- maybe he'll be selling those 'Nobama" calendars, remember- capitalism is the end-all for him and it's everybody for himself. The good thing is the people buying those calendars will be just like him. I won't waste my money. Part of the proceeds of the calendars will be going into the Tea Party coffers which ends up where? In grassroots organizations or which politician's pocket?
I'm thinking of going to see this spectacle. I'm hoping other free-thinkers will be there, too.
I'll be taking the bus.
Hmmm- maybe that's why the young lady doesn't want to take the bus, no firearms are allowed.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Accessible Housing and the Hoodwinking of City Council and LRC by Builders
City Council will be introducing changing the building code requirements for the percentage of handicap accessible units from 5 units built per 100 apartments to just 2 on Sept 1st, next Tuesday.
What I'm afraid of is that City Council is scared to turn away any business right now. They will believe the trumped up figures and "logic" the builders will throw at them, saying they can't afford to build the extra 3 units per 100 and that if needed they would rather convert an apartment to specific accessibility needs of the tenant- but at who's cost? That has not been determined. So actually the pool of choices becomes smaller if more units are not built and the elderly and disabled are left to choose from pre-existing units, accessible and not- IF ground-floor apartments become available and IF they fit the size and needs of someone or some family that has accessibility needs then some builders are saying they would be willing to do the work. Then when that family moves on- bet your bottom dollar they will convert it back- another added cost not talked about.
I'm also hearing the argument that handicap-accessible units are not being rented- they are not making any money- they are sitting vacant. If that is the case- if you supposedly can't rent out a unit and times are tough- wouldn't it behoove you to look into lowering the rent on that unit and also look into possible subsidies? Isn't $400 a month in-pocket better than $0?
Are they not being rented because they are too expensive? And the disabled and elderly cannot afford them?
That may be the case in some instances, but I have seen figures that denounce that theory to a degree. There are plenty of disabled vets, retired people and disabled that DO have an adequate income to pay for more "luxury" apartments. And yes, there is a good percentage that cannot.
Are handicap-accessible apartment units being advertised? I don't believe they are to their full-potential. Actually I don't just believe that- I know that for a fact.
You see, 5 years ago when I moved down here to El Paso from "up North" I was used to paying a pretty penny for an apartment. My unit I left was a great find at $735 a month for a 1 bedroom at about 600 sf. So when I came down here I looked for apartments in that price range that could accomodate myself and my client that is disabled and uses a wheelchair. My client had a house and the mindset then was that it would be too much for me to take care of them and a house that was in disrepair. And inaccessible. So apartment hunting we went!
Just so happened to go and look at The Pointe apartments- Bohannon's apartments. I was told they had handicap- accessibile apartments over the phone, even though on the website I didn't see any mention of that. But I liked the floorplan and wanted to take a look. I wanted a 2-bedroom 2-bath. My client, myself, and another caretaker went to the apartments and talked with the girl that greeted us in the office. She asked for an ID before she could show us a unit and I gave her mine. She left it sitting on her desk and was ready to show us around when I asked her to please secure my ID properly before we left- I didn't want my ID just sitting on a desk for anyone to take!
We entered the model unit and realized it would be very UN-accomodating. The doorways were too narrow and my client couldn't even fit through to go into a bedroom. The kitchen was not wide enough for turnarounds in a manual or power wheelchair. Then there were steps down into the livingroom- hardly conducive to accomodating a person in a wheelchair.
While talking with the girl showing us the unit she said there were no handicap accessible units available. She never mentioned that if we DID choose to rent with them they could or would convert it to make it more accessible. That issue was never brought up or offered. Even though now I hear that Bohannon is supposedly willing to convert for tenants. Is he just saying that now because he wants to get by just building 2 units per 100 instead of the current 5 per 100? And would he really convert it at no cost to the tenant if asked?
Hmmmm.
I don't like the tactics these builders are using. They're basically strong-arming the city into giving them carte blanche. They'll build if they get some great tax breaks and don't have to build too many accessible units that they are unwilling to advertise. And the city, instead of standing up for it's disabled community, looks like they might offer anything to builders with the troop crunch coming and not enough affordable multi-family housing units. Isn't "smart growth" and planning supposed to include livability for the elderly and disabled?
I'm the last of the baby-boom generation. And I'm starting to feel the aches and pains that come with getting older. I'm seeing a greater need for accessible housing, not a lesser. And all those people that have single-family units with the island in the kitchens are probably going to kick themselves when they realize they need to pull out that island and re-tile when they find themselves or a family member in need of using a wheelchair and they need their place to be more accessible. But the builders built for a trend and no one looked at the future.
So when the public gets its chance to voice their opinion on this issue at the Sept 8th city council meeting I hope city council is ready to listen without prejudice.
What stake do the elderly and disabled have in gaining (actually keeping) the same amount of units built per 100? Is it choices and dignity and accessibility? True transition? Yes.
What stake do builders have in all this besides profit? Remember, true transition and accessibility is not supposed to be ruled by financial (supposed) inability.
Builders need to build according to the community's needs.
We have over 4,000 single-family units on the market right now and builders are complaining of what they are unwilling to rent out or advertise as far as accessible units? I find that ridiculous. If the builders are crying "tough times" foul and they say that it is cheaper to convert rather than build accessible units- why don't they start buying some of these houses and convert them to be accessible? I bet they'd advertise when they have $125,000 on the line compared to just $600 for an apartment a month. Someone needs to think ahead and not just in the moment, our community has needs and someone needs to be responsible enough and listen.
Builders unwilling to pay for accessible units and think only of their profits should not be making city code. Who else stands to profit in our city off of changing the city code? Let's take a good hard look at who are the players pushing this through. If it's not obvious- you will see on the 8th.
sidenote- one of my goals for the disabled/elderly community is to actually create a tax break to individuals that convert a home into an accessible home and deed it such that it cannot be converted back when sold. That would leave a bigger pool and choice in housing and reduce costs of conversion for future disabled/elderly persons.
What I'm afraid of is that City Council is scared to turn away any business right now. They will believe the trumped up figures and "logic" the builders will throw at them, saying they can't afford to build the extra 3 units per 100 and that if needed they would rather convert an apartment to specific accessibility needs of the tenant- but at who's cost? That has not been determined. So actually the pool of choices becomes smaller if more units are not built and the elderly and disabled are left to choose from pre-existing units, accessible and not- IF ground-floor apartments become available and IF they fit the size and needs of someone or some family that has accessibility needs then some builders are saying they would be willing to do the work. Then when that family moves on- bet your bottom dollar they will convert it back- another added cost not talked about.
I'm also hearing the argument that handicap-accessible units are not being rented- they are not making any money- they are sitting vacant. If that is the case- if you supposedly can't rent out a unit and times are tough- wouldn't it behoove you to look into lowering the rent on that unit and also look into possible subsidies? Isn't $400 a month in-pocket better than $0?
Are they not being rented because they are too expensive? And the disabled and elderly cannot afford them?
That may be the case in some instances, but I have seen figures that denounce that theory to a degree. There are plenty of disabled vets, retired people and disabled that DO have an adequate income to pay for more "luxury" apartments. And yes, there is a good percentage that cannot.
Are handicap-accessible apartment units being advertised? I don't believe they are to their full-potential. Actually I don't just believe that- I know that for a fact.
You see, 5 years ago when I moved down here to El Paso from "up North" I was used to paying a pretty penny for an apartment. My unit I left was a great find at $735 a month for a 1 bedroom at about 600 sf. So when I came down here I looked for apartments in that price range that could accomodate myself and my client that is disabled and uses a wheelchair. My client had a house and the mindset then was that it would be too much for me to take care of them and a house that was in disrepair. And inaccessible. So apartment hunting we went!
Just so happened to go and look at The Pointe apartments- Bohannon's apartments. I was told they had handicap- accessibile apartments over the phone, even though on the website I didn't see any mention of that. But I liked the floorplan and wanted to take a look. I wanted a 2-bedroom 2-bath. My client, myself, and another caretaker went to the apartments and talked with the girl that greeted us in the office. She asked for an ID before she could show us a unit and I gave her mine. She left it sitting on her desk and was ready to show us around when I asked her to please secure my ID properly before we left- I didn't want my ID just sitting on a desk for anyone to take!
We entered the model unit and realized it would be very UN-accomodating. The doorways were too narrow and my client couldn't even fit through to go into a bedroom. The kitchen was not wide enough for turnarounds in a manual or power wheelchair. Then there were steps down into the livingroom- hardly conducive to accomodating a person in a wheelchair.
While talking with the girl showing us the unit she said there were no handicap accessible units available. She never mentioned that if we DID choose to rent with them they could or would convert it to make it more accessible. That issue was never brought up or offered. Even though now I hear that Bohannon is supposedly willing to convert for tenants. Is he just saying that now because he wants to get by just building 2 units per 100 instead of the current 5 per 100? And would he really convert it at no cost to the tenant if asked?
Hmmmm.
I don't like the tactics these builders are using. They're basically strong-arming the city into giving them carte blanche. They'll build if they get some great tax breaks and don't have to build too many accessible units that they are unwilling to advertise. And the city, instead of standing up for it's disabled community, looks like they might offer anything to builders with the troop crunch coming and not enough affordable multi-family housing units. Isn't "smart growth" and planning supposed to include livability for the elderly and disabled?
I'm the last of the baby-boom generation. And I'm starting to feel the aches and pains that come with getting older. I'm seeing a greater need for accessible housing, not a lesser. And all those people that have single-family units with the island in the kitchens are probably going to kick themselves when they realize they need to pull out that island and re-tile when they find themselves or a family member in need of using a wheelchair and they need their place to be more accessible. But the builders built for a trend and no one looked at the future.
So when the public gets its chance to voice their opinion on this issue at the Sept 8th city council meeting I hope city council is ready to listen without prejudice.
What stake do the elderly and disabled have in gaining (actually keeping) the same amount of units built per 100? Is it choices and dignity and accessibility? True transition? Yes.
What stake do builders have in all this besides profit? Remember, true transition and accessibility is not supposed to be ruled by financial (supposed) inability.
Builders need to build according to the community's needs.
We have over 4,000 single-family units on the market right now and builders are complaining of what they are unwilling to rent out or advertise as far as accessible units? I find that ridiculous. If the builders are crying "tough times" foul and they say that it is cheaper to convert rather than build accessible units- why don't they start buying some of these houses and convert them to be accessible? I bet they'd advertise when they have $125,000 on the line compared to just $600 for an apartment a month. Someone needs to think ahead and not just in the moment, our community has needs and someone needs to be responsible enough and listen.
Builders unwilling to pay for accessible units and think only of their profits should not be making city code. Who else stands to profit in our city off of changing the city code? Let's take a good hard look at who are the players pushing this through. If it's not obvious- you will see on the 8th.
sidenote- one of my goals for the disabled/elderly community is to actually create a tax break to individuals that convert a home into an accessible home and deed it such that it cannot be converted back when sold. That would leave a bigger pool and choice in housing and reduce costs of conversion for future disabled/elderly persons.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
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