Apr. 27, 2003 - 17:50 MDT

THE WONDERING JEW

Finally

An article in the Sunday Denver Post by Mark P. Couch discusses the housing situation here in Denver - at least some of it. Facts and figures for the most part are his, opinions are mine.

There is in existance an organization in Denver called "The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless," which seems to be doing much for the homeless and low income families, more than most efforts that I have seen in operation. It is this group that managed to snag the old YMCA building in the north east section of the downtown district. They made a deal, the YMCA selling the property for $8.45 million, then agreed to pay $3 million to buy back a portion for a smaller health club. The coalition is renovating the building into remodeled apartments.

The YMCA building has fond memories for me, that is where I learned to swim and take part in other recreation there. Good spot and a good deal for low income folks who work downtown.

In addition to the old YMCA building the coalition has two other things going near downtown all three of which are ideal dwellings for those who have low income and work in the downtown area, they can walk to and from work for one thing. The coalition is working on eight different projects in Denver and is dealing for a ninth.

Two that are in process are on Lowry Field. A miracle that is. Before the redevelopment began there was much talk of low income housing to be available, but it seemed to me that money making by developers took precedence. The coalition and Catholic Charities sued the Lowry Redevelopment authority in 1999 over clustering low-cost housing on the former military base. That case was settled with the nonprofit groups winning the right to disperse their construction efforts at Lowry.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the median income for a family of four in Denver is $69,900, so qualifying families can earn no more than $41,490 per year. So am I mixed up or what ? Seems to me that anyone working and making less than $41,490 per year should qualify ? Which by my calculator figures out to near $798 a week. Now two people working for minimum wage together can't come close to the $41,490 as 6.50 an hour times two equals about $27,000 approximately. So what are these things going to sell for, rent for ? The article did say that "these affordable units help cover the costs of the apartments for the recently homeless who are making the transition back to renting or owning." Didn't mention the lowest income that would be allowed in, but of course it is obvious to me there will many who will not be able to get in. I would like to see the issue clarified, how much is the "affordable," going to be ?

Heather and I live in sight of Lowry and have seen these majestic million dollar homes going up and other homes obviously too expensive for the average Joe to live in. And we remembered all the blathering promises that were shuffled like a deck of cards.

Obviously it seems that the developers do not want low income people mixed in, nor do the general run of home buyers. Oh my no, it will bring the value of our property down ! NIMBY de luxe.

Supposedly there will be low income housing built on the old Stapleton International Airport. All Heather and I see yet are the commercial buildings going up and the big expensive homes. Big bucks first, then make room for us little folks.

If the economy keeps going down, more people being laid off, more homes being lost the need for this type of housing will skyrocket.

And Bush keeps preaching tax cuts, which to my mind will only benefit the rich. A few bucks back on taxes won't help the average family at all as near as I can see.

Coalition people say that even if it can close the deal that is pending, "Denver will still have lost 1,000 units in buildings that have been turned into condos." One of the biggies of the coalition said, "The need is still out there and in some ways still growing, and we're still looking for ways to help."

More power to them and things like Habitat For Humanity. The only thing is what about the people who do not have jobs and can't find them because there are none ? The homeless families where neither of the parents have a job ?

Guess they will have to huddle on the gratings in the downtown area trying to keep warm. As near as I know the homeless keep getting rousted out of the public parks, and the hobo jungles have been bull dozed, so where can people go who are penniless ?

But at least there is some progress being made in Denver, Finally . . . . . . . . . .

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