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Obery tenants allege discrimination

Planned lawsuit to claim poor residents forced out of redeveloped housing

By RYAN JUSTIN FOX Staff Writer
Published 07/07/09

Allegations that poor tenants will be forced out of a redeveloped public housing project in downtown Annapolis could spur a federal discrimination lawsuit against the Annapolis Housing Authority, attorneys representing the tenants said.

Paul W. Gillespie — The Capital Work continues on what used to be the Obery Court public housing community off Clay Street. The city housing authority is demolishing Obery Court and the adjoining College Creek Terrace public housing complexes and will replace them with modern, privately-managed apartments reserved for low-income tenants.
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The expected 15-count complaint being drawn up by the county Legal Aid Bureau on behalf of College Creek Terrace-Obery Court tenants alleges the demolition of the housing community discriminates against current residents.

College Creek Terrace and the adjoining Obery Court public-housing complexes off Clay Street are in the initial stages of being demolished to make way for modern publicly...

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My solution for public housing - 2009-07-15 09:22:49

I think public housing is needed and helps people out to a degree. I also think that it is not something that should be relied upon for generations upon generations. Put a time limit on it of 10 years, with extensions being granted in unusual cases. It would give people an incentive to improve themselves. You have to stop a culture where people feel they're entitled to it. You should never think of something the government owns as "your home." Think about it, if this were a private apartment complex that decided to shut down and sell the land, there would be no recourse for the tenants if adequate notice were given.

And Debbie in Arnold, if your situation is what you say it is, there's no reason you wouldn't qualify for section 8 if the list is open, you just would have a lengthy wait. Contact the County Housing Commission for more information.

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C. Moore - Laurel, MD - Karma: Neutral

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WOW! - 2009-07-14 09:57:48

As long as people know they can get a handout they will take it. Then they will cry foul when it appears that it will be taken away. I know from what I see family members do, my oldest niece brought her kids to my home for the summer. I told her girls the first day do not waste the water, to be careful when you turn on the spigot. My niece says to me "do you pay for the water?", I tell her no, she says "then what's the problem". As long as people have that type of mentality they will always think they are owed something. When they think someone is taking it away that will be the only time they will fight for something. They don't go to school meetings for their kids, not for grades or for disciplinary actions. They do not care about what happens outside, but try and do some improvements and have them know they might have to actually work to get it back then they are being treated wrong. With Habitat For Humanity it is about Sweat Equity to get a home, "damn those people who are helping me, expecting me to work for my own home, the nerve of some people"....I am sick of people like that, I really am and that includes those that are in my family.....

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Sarah B. - Elkton, MD - Karma: Bad

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Please change Public housing to hel - 2009-07-14 09:29:34

You know, I am a single mom with two great kids, and unfortunately, no help from the dad. An overhaul of this place would be great for someone like me and my kids. Public housing as it currently exists would be the last place I would ever want to raise my girls, but if the housing and tenants were upgraded, this would be so helpful to me. I usually work two jobs, but with the economy the way it is, I am down to just one job, and it is very difficult to make ends meet. I don't qualify for any assistance from the government for housing, food or cash because I make 1200 a month (b4 taxes) my rent for this apartment in Admiral heights is 800 a month. My bge bill is 100 a month, I don't have a car, so I don't pay insurance, but one of my kids is autistic and that costs me allot for treatment and medication, I also do not qualify for medical insurance, because my divorce states my x is to supply medical insurance, but he never has. My situation, although brought on by my own actions, could improve with this new upcoming housing. I would give almost anything to live somewhere decent and safe that could help my family through these times. My credit is ok, I don't do drugs or drink or associate with anyone who does. My family lives clean and we have pride and integrity, and we are down on our luck right now. My biggest problem is that I am white, and yes, that is a bigger problem than a lot of people are willing to admit. I have been passed up, passed over and passed by because I am white. If the new housing is privatized, I might qualify for temporary help as low income. Hopefully my race will not be a factor.

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Debbie F. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Talking with the wrong crowd - 2009-07-13 18:28:02

Whatever, I was raised not to be a bigot. It appears many were raised differently.

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Lex Livingston - Annapolis, - Karma: Bad

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welfare abuse - 2009-07-13 17:50:06

My father was an inner city welfare social worker. He went into homes and had to approve allocations for welfare recipients. He would find a new TV and would ask, "Where did you get the money for that TV?" The answer usually was "My baby's mama bought it." The he would tell them, "Well your baby's mama can buy you some food too then, huh?" It is a harsh reality that you speak. the abuses are many, and I agree that we need to stop the abuse of the common weal. However, until you are prepared to seriously deal with those residents, whom you call unambitious, and the reasons for the economic disparity, which you blame them for, you will just lack credibility. Please tell I'm wrong, I want to be.

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christopher l. - annapolis, md - Karma: Neutral

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Johnathan - 2009-07-13 10:23:48

Well stated.

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Mary Ann D. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Christopher I - 2009-07-13 07:45:18

You state, "and when people see comments without credibility rule the day, they think, 'hmm, maybe I should contribute only to the spectacle, and not to the solution' "


One would assume as a taxpaying citizen, the allocation of the County's tax revenue they collect from it's residents to subsidize housing provides them cause to voice their frustration and is their "contribution to a solution" to the public housing woes. I think we will always be at ends in this debate as one side sees it as a complete waste of money where the other side argues that it is a necessity in any society to offer assistance to those in dire circumstances, whereas the reality usually is somewhere in between. Public housing does provide an excellent service to those in need, whilst also enabling those without ambition to succeed, so it is a bit of a double edged swords. We never really hear of the success stories of public housing, just those habitual abusers of the red-taped laden bureaucracy that allows those individuals to manipulate the system. Until we can fix the accountability issues this problem will always persist, as with most government sponsored assistance programs.

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Johnathan Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Excellent

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were all laughing - 2009-07-13 00:01:52

... with you that is. Many comments are our laughingstock on this board, and without the pithy reparte' about their inferior genetics and intellect, I don't think we would be able to manage. Kudos, once again. by the way, what does sarcasm mean?

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christopher l. - annapolis, md - Karma: Neutral

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Mary Mary quite contrary - 2009-07-12 21:18:57

I guess I need to spell it out for smarty pants. The context/tone of your comments ("We haven't heard from Corporal, Reggie, Fawn, Tina. Is this the reincarnation?") would convey to any literate person that my comments were held within the same regard as those listed. Figure it out genius. If you think my comments are as harebrained as their's then your contradiction would indicate disagreement with my comments.

As I said before, "what a gene pool." In case you can't figure it out, that was written with a sense of sarcasm.

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Lex Livingston - Annapolis, - Karma: Bad

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Lex - 2009-07-12 20:20:17

What the heck are you rambling about??? I don't believe that my comment had anything to do with agreement or disagreement....but thanks for the chuckle

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Mary Ann D. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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What a gene pool! - 2009-07-12 19:17:04

Mary, so because you disagree with my comments; (which are benign)your contradictions would indicate that you agree/condone the racially insensitive remarks that are continually posted on here. You are just as bad as the people who you hate on Clay St. Your opinions/values just perpetuate those beliefs. In the same exact manner that the people you despise perpetuate there own cyclic problems because they (people on clay st) can change themselves.

I am truly sorry for any and all people you influence (especially impressionable youth - i.e. your kids). Good luck in the future and perpetuating intolerant views. You are in good company.

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Lex Livingston - Annapolis, - Karma: Bad

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Lex Livingston - 2009-07-12 18:45:16

hmmmmmm, just registered today. We haven't heard from Corporal, Reggie, Fawn, Tina. Is this the reincarnation?

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Mary Ann D. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Chris - 2009-07-12 17:43:37

Sorry to disappoint, I just think racism is ignorant. "Your People" as you put it, my people) are Master Degree holding college graduates. I am a white man, so I apologize if you feel that I sold out because I disagree with people who are closed minded bigots. It's just a shame so many people in our fine city have racist values.

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Lex Livingston - Annapolis, - Karma: Bad

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yep intelligence. - 2009-07-12 17:17:20

Insulting us as ignorant people is really all you have to contribute. Your people have made a word for that, one which should stick in _your_ mouth. I have worked with highly intelligent and gifted people from the area, and know that they are waiting for your highly intelligent responses. Of course, I am not singling you out, if the shoe fits wear it, so to speak. Mostly, the problem is "monkey see monkey do", and when people see comments without credibility rule the day, they think, "hmm, maybe I should contribute only to the spectacle, and not to the solution. So, make like a tennis shoe, and "Just Do It".

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christopher l. - annapolis, md - Karma: Neutral

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Intelligence? - 2009-07-12 15:21:52

I love reading these comments. I just get a kick out of what is said on these message boards. It is clearly evident that we need a much better public education system in this country.

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Lex Livingston - Annapolis, - Karma: Bad

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Clay St Is Good - 2009-07-12 11:51:35

I own a house on Clay St. In fact there are MANY homeowners here. Some of them compete amongst each other about who has the most beautiful flowerbeds.

I absolutely love my neighborhood. It's one of the coolest, most historic neighborhoods in Annapolis. My neighbors are some of the greatest people I've ever met in the 32 yrs I've been alive. Clay St is not just public housing, as many assume. I'm willing to bet that public housing is roughly a 3rd of the actual area.

Clay St has had some rough history, that is a fact, but it is getting better every day. It still has its challenges, no doubt. Other than the public housing (which people associate as being the ONLY thing down here), there are homeowners and/or public housing tenants who are mechanics, nurses, security guards, multi-business owners, active & retired military service men & women, self-employed men & women, college students, boutique owners, laundromat owners, artists & musicians, politicians, you name it! Clay St is also home of the respected Annapolis Prince Hall Freemasons, the First Baptist Church, the Stanton Center and the Elks Lodge.

Remember... when you talk negatively about Clay St, you are talking negatively about all of them too.

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Ellis - annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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win a lawsuit, lose a war - 2009-07-12 02:54:58

I have heard the arguments from both sides over the years being here. Neither side has budged one inch. The song has changed, but the tune has remained the same. Progress and high-mindedness on the one side while the other pragmatism and realism. You are no closer to actually working together then when we got here twety years ago with a mission to help this problem. I think it might be because you are tired or maybe you have difficulty hearing. Let the lost cause go, please, and deal with people like people, not as your idealism tells you they can be. You have never been there, you will never go there, you have no intention of ever knowing those people. Pray though, stop patronizing the system, repeat.

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christopher l. - annapolis, md - Karma: Neutral

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To M. Moore - 2009-07-11 09:26:03

I completely agree with you that the way public housing is setup makes it harder for people to leave. My wife worked in human resources for some time and regularly had people begging her to alter their official documentation so it looked like they had less hours/income... just so they could keep their rents low. I know there are some hard working people living in public housing. I don't worry about them too much because they will work hard and get themselves out. It's the other 80% I worry about, that sit around and wait for a handout. They need to go.
As for solutions, I'd really like to see public housing communities go away entirely and replaced with subsidies for folks finding their own rent. Those subsidies need to be TEMPORARY and INCREASE/ EXPIRE after a well thought out time line.
The government gives churches and other charitable institutions tax breaks for a reason, they need to step up and assist as well.

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B K. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Good

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To B.K. - 2009-07-11 08:24:25

First of all, a lot of you folks criticizing are totally wrong. The way this program is set up, it makes it hard for people to leave. Rent is based on your income. There are a lot of hardworking folks living in these communities. However, if they receive a pay raise, their rents are also raised.

I've known of people paying up to $900/month while someone who's receiving public assistance may pat $30 for the same apartment.

Lastly, not everyone who lives in public housing are neglectful or lazy. Until you've walked in their shoes, you shouldn't assume.

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M. Moore - Sterling, VA - Karma: Neutral

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It is discrimination against the po - 2009-07-11 04:14:54

The Forester Research Inc. predicts that employers will move 3.4 million jobs and $136 billion in wages overseas by 2015. According to Challenger etc..service-sector jobs are moving overseas at the rate of 588,000 a year. Meta Group puts 40% of corporate tech jobs gone offshore by 2008. Deloitte Research found the worlds 100 largest financial service firms expect to shift some 2 million jobs overseas over the next 5 years. 275,000 telecom jobs went out of country through 2008. Three million manufacturing jobs have disappeared since 1998 with 1.78 million of them due to outsourcing. Real wages have stagnated since 1973 and actually fell in 2008 (more people are poorer). And the economic policy institute reports wages in jobs being created on average are 21% lower than the jobs lost. So many of those good jobs that B.K. suggests will allow residents to live anywhere are scarce in this economy. Mark A. thinks that people in public housing shouldnt have rights (No rights for poor US citizens) how democratic is that?? Scott S. suggests that people who cant afford to live in Annapolis should reside in Bowie, Glen Burnie or the Eastern Shore . Developers are lusting after the property that is currently dedicated to Annapolis public housing. And according to research most of the Public/Private partnerships entered into across the country since 1993 have failed to produce desired results and in fact cost taxpayers substantially more than standard government purchasing and operating procedures. We all have a stake in the success of this project. Which makes it all the more important that accurate complete and truthful information be available for public scrutiny. It is the failure of the Annapolis Housing Authority to inform its public that has led to this law suit.

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Maryellen Brady - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Race Card - 2009-07-11 04:02:17

I'm sick to death of this racism sh*&.
Git a freakin job.....Or move out of Annapolis.

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David C. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Jonathan L. - 2009-07-11 01:45:54

I have always agreed with your posts, and once again I agree. As you stated "what about the 31K a year salary teachers earn", that is exactly what I earned 7 years ago when I bought my home.
I had a mortgage payment of $1,050.00 a month and made it work. When times got tough I took a second job and made sure my investment wasn't lost. I am a single woman without a college education and due to lack of funds, I sought out to better myself through learning a construction trade. So those who throw the racial card out there, use your minority status to better yourself, I did as a woman in a mans field. I had to work twice as hard as the men out there to prove myself, but it made me a stronger person for it, and I am now damn proud of my accomplishments! Try settinbg goals for yourselves instead of looking for a handout!

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Michelle B. - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Good

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scott s here is the link - 2009-07-10 18:14:44

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/can/2009/04/03-10/Agee-wife-face-election-violations.html?ne=1

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J. L - annapolis, md - Karma: Bad

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B Ross - 2009-07-10 11:12:39

I have to agree with Jen and Johnathan about your veterans claim. I'd be highly surprised if veterans comprise a substantial portion of public housing residents in Annapolis. As Jen mentioned, vets also have access to programs like VA loans that others do not. I'm not saying there's enough to go around for every single injured vet out there, but at least there are options for many of them.
Your comment about jobs going to India is laughable. The majority of jobs that have "relocated" to India are call center jobs that make $10-$15 per hour or less here, which is exactly the type of job you scorn. Also keep in mind that nobody making $10-$15 per hour is forced, or entitled, to live in Annapolis proper where housing costs are higher than the surrounding areas. If they need to reside in Bowie, Glen Burnie, or the Eastern Shore to live within their means, then so be it.

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Scott S. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Please check your own facts - 2009-07-10 09:41:05

Ross...No one is attacking Veterans here, as a matter of fact, VA loans are available to veterans to help purchase homes. I worked in the construction industry for over 20 years and built 100's of homes financed through VA loans for veterans in Anne Arundel County alone. There are many programs available to veterans. Also, you say that public housing residents have to recertify annually, well, if that is true, than how can you explain two -- three generations of same families living in public housing?? The public housing system is seriously broken and needs to be fixed. This restructuring currently taking place will help a lot of low income individuals to have the opportunity of decent housing, as well as the opportunity to purchase the home, and yes, if their credit is good enough. It would help more individuals, like the veterans you speak of, if the rules for public housing were overhauled and more specific with the terms and conditions of requirements and qualifications to reside in these divisions. A friend of mine is a single parent with two children, and she makes about $14.00 an hour, and also has another part time job which brings in another 200 a month, and does this to stay out of public housing, for the sake of her children. This is admirable, someone complaining that they cant buy a home because they only make 10-15 an hour, is just a lame excuse for their laziness and total lack of effort.

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Jen Rhoades - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Good

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Johnathan - 2009-07-09 21:11:04

Please look at the posts that are under the Cohen story. It appears that someone is trying to use your name. This needs to be squashed.

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Mary Ann D. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Ross - 2009-07-09 19:46:05

Please provide the statistics for the number of vets living in Annapolis public housing because I feel that you are grandstanding quite a bit. I understand the situation can be frustrating, but no one, myself included, is entitled to own a home as you claim. Why not have the tenants join the rest of the sensible public and rent before they own. Not to crap on your $10-15/hour (roughly $31k year) numbers as being low and not enough to afford a home; I would regard that as the norm, and in most Maryland counties, that is the starting teacher's salary. So why aren't all of the teachers living in public housing. It's called living within your means. Just because someone else has all the toys and the house, doesn't mean you should have one too.

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Johnathan Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Missing facts - 2009-07-09 18:33:18

How can a person who has not walked in another persons shoes know what his life is like? First Public housing tenants must recertify annually, with criminal background checks. Drug related crimes are supposed to result in eviction. Second, who can afford a home on $10.00-15.00/hour wage? Not likely, unless mom or pop paid the down payment and helped with payments. Who went to college on $10.-$15/hour wage Without mom and pops help? How many of you have government jobs in A A county? Navy jobs and other R&D government jobs pay enough to buy a home on. Without that gov. job you couldnt afford the nice home you have. Bloggers talk as if theres no shortage of good paying jobs now or in the past 10 years. Even highly skilled jobs have dwindled since jobs were sent to India. After working my way through college, with scholarships I earned, I served and protected my country until I was injured. Then my life went down hill so fast I needed a seat belt to avoid whiplash! Many injured vets cant afford homes on their disability income. The VA says there are at minimum 131,000 homeless vets. See NCHV.gov. Pain from grave injuries causes excruciating torture and Some vets need pain killers to survive the day. Mindless people condemn vets when their legal drug is necessary. I lived in a Section 8 apt. where METH. ammonia smells seeped in around the bathroom pipes. I know some crackheads remain in public housing. WE need to devise better methods to find and remove drug pushers from public housing. Another misconception is that Habitat for Humanity (HFH)will give homes to those past tenants. HFH requires a good income to pay mortgages so that leaves most vets out in the cold and homeless----but who cares!!??

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B Ross - , - Karma: Neutral

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my similar situation - 2009-07-09 12:27:23

A few years ago when I was renting a house, the landlord (who owned the house) had the audacity to come in and replace all the appliances with brand new stainless steel ones, and replace a worn out linoleum floor with high quality tile. If only I'd thought of suing him, claiming discrimination, I might have prevented that atrocity. (Of course unlike these folks, I was paying rent, and had a contract giving me certain property rights.)

christopher l, I think the first part of your comment was very poignant (although I've never heard that definition of "kwassa kwassa," I thought it was a dance). I would argue that the renovations being done are meant to help reduce the disparity you mention. Suing to stop them only perpetuates it. More and more it seems like many public housing residents make *choices* like this that only keep themselves at the bottom indefinitely. It's a free country, and if that's their choice, fine...no one's forcing anyone to better themselves against their will. However if someone wants to live in a place paid for by others, they should be subject to certain conditions and possibly even give up certain rights in exchange. At a minimum, public housing should be reserved for the people who will use it as a stepping stone, not a permanent solution. Then as they move on and up, we should be able to start shutting these places down permanently. But back to the point, not only is this lawsuit baseless (as Johnathan mentioned, they have no property rights to stand on, plus the discrimination claims are pure sensationalism), but its actually detrimental to the residents themselves. The brief satisfaction of winning a lawsuit ("sticking it to the man", as someone on here used to say) does nothing to improve their lives if they're still living in the same crime-ridden, drug infested squalor.

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Scott S. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Right On Jen - 2009-07-09 11:34:46

Couldn't agree more. These programs were designed (initially) with good intentions but have fallen into terrible abuse. Public housing should be authorized with limited time frames until people can get on their feet, with drug screenings and other tools to eliminate free loaders. I'm sure that the individuals that are disabled or truly have a need for assistance could be brought to the surface, and I have no problem with helping those that fall in this category. There is no excuse for third and fourth generation families living in public housing. Suing is just going to waste a huge amount of money for an unfounded claim. Race is not the issue.

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Dave D. - Riva, MD - Karma: Good

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Rebuild and Reorganize - 2009-07-09 09:52:16

Applications for the public housing units should include credit checks, criminal background checks and random drug testing. These housing areas were intended to help those individuals who need temporary assistance to reorganize their lives and supportive abilities. Standards need to be determined and utilized, not dropped or ignored all together. I bet if you research the background on those complainants they ALL would fail at least two of the three suggested checks. Also, a five year cap should be in place. It is working with the welfare reorganization and it will work with public housing.

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Jen Rhoades - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Good

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Perhaps..... - 2009-07-09 09:38:11

Maybe I was rushing to judgement thinking people who live in the projects their entire life were lazy and shiftless perpetuating more lazy and shiftless people, perhaps they are not aware that the post office will forward their welfare check.

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D. W. - D'ville, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Christopher... - 2009-07-09 09:19:40

Quote 'suing is the only way to get anything said about the disparity that has grown between these communities, and that should be the first problem to be addressed'. I disagree. That is one of the things that is killing our country, the constant belief that 'suing is the answer'. For years, families bettered themselves by hard work and dedication to the thought 'My kids will have it better than we did', I.E, go to college, own a home, etc. Suing is not the answer, hard work and raising your family with a strong work ethic IS!

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JJ Thomas - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Johnathan - 2009-07-09 08:37:23

While I don't always agree with your posts I must say that they are always done with thought and not just opinion. That is refreshing given some of the posts we see here. However, in this instance, I must say I agree with you.

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Mary Ann D. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Guess - 2009-07-09 06:52:21

I guess most of the people that take issue with the lawsuit (per title) are opposed to charge of "discrimination" which appears to be the first thing thrown out there. How about, misrepresentation, or misinformation, or a more transparent process? But it seems this was done in order to gain attention in the media and to gain more public support. Some of us are getting fed up when we are continually fed charges of "racism" and "prejudicial practices" when, there appears to be none. Further, this only helps to detract from "real" instances of discrimination as we wonder if this is another case of "the boy who cried wolf". I would also wonder what legal standing these people have to sue as these are not their properties and in most cases, they don't pay for them. I would think that they should be suing the taxpayers more so than the housing authority, seeing as we pay for these properties. Oh wait, we fund the housing authority too, so they are suing us.

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Johnathan Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Excellent

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College Creek Kwassa Kwaasa - 2009-07-08 23:15:57

"Kwassa Kwassa" is a term to describe people who would never come to your neighborhood. I have only been invited to College Creek terrace once, and the people were pretty nice. I saw some of the same people I went to school with; the ones getting free lunch, the ones without school supplies, the ones gluing their old shoes together to stop us from pointing and laughing. You might feel sorry for them because of the stigma associated with needing a helping hand, but you should not, because it only perpetuates their feelings of inadequacy. Being non-violent and non-aggesive, I find it difficult to understand why there are so many offensive comments posted about what should be talked about rationally and calmly. Suing is the only way to get anything said about the disparity that has grown between these communities, and that should be the first problem to be addressed.

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christopher l. - annapolis, md - Karma: Neutral

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Sue for honest answers? - 2009-07-08 21:03:30

What a pathetic job the Annapolis Housing Authority has done to serve and protect the residents of the communities of Obery and College Creek. It is so incredulous that the people who are supposed to be the voice of their tenants and the community are so individually arrogant to believe that poor is synonymous with stupid. The residents of Obery and College Creek have reason for concern. They do not know!! Why is that?? They need to know. Making decisions that impact the lives of so many without consulting with the communities is irresponsible and disrespectful. Relocation is difficult especially on children who have to change schools etc... As citizens, the tenants of these public housing projects have a right to know that their concerns are being addressed. It is the job of Mr. Eric Brown, Exec Dir of the Housing Authority to communicate with, inform and respect the tenants he serves. Ronald Reagan demonized the poor by conjuring up the image of the welfare mom riding in a Cadillac and many still use that reference to excuse neglect of the most vulnerable in our society. However, the poor are in many more instances: the mentally ill, wounded veterans, disabled, elderly, minimum wage families with children, chronically ill, and others.. Sure the residents of Obery and College Creek should sue. The shame is on the Housing Authority for putting clients into such a precarious position that they believe this is their only road to honest answers.

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Maryellen Brady - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Mark A - 2009-07-08 18:43:46

I could not agree with you more!

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Jessica H. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Okay - 2009-07-08 18:32:46

Eric, Peter,Fawn, Ivana, we all get it. I bet you also get a kick out of looking at the catalogs with women in bras. This really is Eddy Haskell type humour. Grow up and get more creative. Maybe you and Larry Mondello can come up with something a little funnier.

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Mary Ann D. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-07-08 17:51:47

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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-07-08 17:46:03

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sick and tired - 2009-07-08 17:43:06

I am so sick of paying everyone elses way in life. Most of these people are able to work but don't want to because it is too easy to sit back and collect. If they had jobs they would not be out committing so much crime. Until they get out and earn a living and pay some taxes they need to sit back and be glad they even have a roof over their lazy butts. I don't care if they are black, white, hispanic or aliens from another damned planet...Stop living on MY DIME.

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Lee Holland - annapolis, md - Karma: Neutral

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Fix it - 2009-07-08 17:04:09

These types of ghettos are old school. We need to rethink all of the public housing in Annapolis. Annapolis has 10 public housing sites. Too many in my opinion. The poor people here do not realize that living there does nothing for them. It just keeps them enabled, poor, uneducated, etc....Get rid of the junkies and people who abuse the system. Let families that are of good character have a chance in these places. Part of the problem is how the housing auth is run. They don't care. People don't pay their rent, they trash the place, they commit crimes etc. and they still get to stay there. Then you have people who live there and allow their criminal buddies and family to visit and stay. Public housing is not supposed to be a way of life. You are supposed to save money and move on and buy your own place. In my opinion people who live here should not have the same rights as home owners or renters. If they are in subsidized housing they need to feel the pressure and made to abide by the rules. Stop the enabling. Today, 94 percent of public housing tenants are African American. They live in communities plagued by violence and a lack of opportunity. This is a mess that we created and we need to fix it.

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Mark A. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Comment disabled due to community reporting. - 2009-07-08 15:52:20

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Ms. Dimballs - 2009-07-08 15:36:52

apparantly she has lived a short life. I'm sure you will fill in for her quite nicely.

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F. Ferguson - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-07-08 15:11:29

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Jamie H. - 2009-07-08 14:51:13

Whether M.J. is real or not, her statement is very much real. Why don't we look past the choice of slang and take note of the real point -- many minorities are sick of lazy individuals perpetuating certain stereotypes.

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Reason's Voice - , - Karma: Neutral

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MJ - YOU are a FAKE - 2009-07-08 14:40:19

FOR PETE'S SAKE - FOR PETE'S SAKE -
I personally don't know ONE Black female who would be caught dead OR alive using this out dated slang. You are at best an middle to late 60's white female. LOL....For pete's sake. Let's just keep it REAL.

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Jamie H. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible

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MJ - YOU are a FAKE - 2009-07-08 14:28:14

I am a black female, and I would love for these people to take just a portion of my mortgage.($2OOO and some change) That race card is getting real old!!!!Black People, please stop the racial sh***!!! You are the ones that keeping racism alive today!! Get an education and a descent job. BUY A DAMN HOME for pete's sake.


FOR PETE'S SAKE - FOR PETE'S SAKE - I personally don't know ONE Black female who would be caught dead of live using this out dated slang. You are at best an middle to late 60's white female. LOL....For pete's sake.

M. J. - Annapolis, md - Karma: Neutral

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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-07-08 12:25:07

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this is incredible - 2009-07-08 12:02:08

I definitely think we need some sort of transitional system. While I could not find the policy on the city governments site. I hope there is at least a tiered payment plan. Encouraging folks to get jobs and better themselves as they take responsibility for paying more and more for their residence. I certainly do not want to see children especially on the streets, but these areas have become a crime pool, full of vandalism. It is like telling a child who purposefully neglected and vandalized a toy that you are going to go out a get them another one thats even nicer and more expensive, even though they did not take care of the first. There are exceptions to every rule, but when is enough, enough. Plus was I the only one that caught that they are rebuilding some of these through habitat for humanity so needy families will be getting free houses/homes that they can learn to take responsibility for. I think that is great. I guess to some that is awful because the government will not be paying all their bills anymore. How is this racismMaybe socioeconomic but not skin color? Even at that point it is not racism. I have worked two and three jobs in my life to make ends meet. I think we can all reach hard times, and assistance that is TEMPORARY is what these housing projects are designed for. Not the person that is interviewed that is the 3rd generation that has lived on the tax payers dime. But at some point you have to take responsibility for yourself and make a change. I certainly at this point would rather have my tax dollars (local, state and now federal through the stimulus) going to cleaning the bay or even the water in the harbor, or increasing the salaries of hard working employees like the city police and firefighters or lowering the cost of parking downtown.

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Jessica H. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Stereotypes..... - 2009-07-08 11:40:50

Are based on reality. This is reality.....

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Tiered System - 2009-07-08 11:09:30

I will admit, I do get frustrated when the Capital does interviews with residents and they state they have lived in public housing their whole lives, and the person was 57 years old. You have to be kidding me. We should definitely adopt a transitional system that, depending on the size of the family of displaced individuals, after they have been in public housing after X months or years, they should be transitioned into group homes because it is obvious that the intended temporary relocation into public housing is not having the desired effect. We would actually be able to provide better services for these people and house more at the same time. Just a thought.

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Johnathan Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Excellent

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There is no 'them' - 2009-07-08 10:15:21

First off, we cannot look at it as a 'them' or 'they', as that removes the focus from the issue...which is there IS no discrimination. The existing system for Public Housing is seriously flawed. It should be temporary, or transitional not for life...As to the complaint of 'residents not being allowed to provide input', hey, if they had such bright ideas, they'd be in their OWN homes. They do not own the homes, and as such should not be allowed to hi-jack the plans. If they don't like it, Maryland is a right to work state.

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JJ Thomas - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Ms. Dimballs - 2009-07-08 09:51:29

okay..so if I have this straight, I am reading that you oppose privatization

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Mary Ann D. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-07-08 09:06:17

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- Karma: Bad

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Racism - 2009-07-08 08:53:33

Here we go again...as previously stated, we give and give and they complain more and more. The people that complain the most are the ones that "expect" the government to provide everything for them. The race card is becoming an old worn out excuse. The fact is, minorities almost have more rights than non-minorities. As I've said in the past, the fact that we now have a black president proves the fact that EVERYONE has the same opportunities. Put down the crack pipe and the Budweiser (this goes for all races) and get a life. As a recovering heroin addict, I can say that YOU are responsible for your own well being, not the government or the tax payers. Your skin color is no excuse. Pull your pants up and try working. You'd really be surprised, it's not that bad.

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Dave D. - Riva, MD - Karma: Good

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Ms. Dillmiballs - 2009-07-08 08:51:03

I'm not sure I am understanding the point of your post. You state "shone a light on the process thereby insuring fairness" What "process" are you talking about and what is the fairness in relationship to this process? PS are you related to Corporal Reinhart?

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Mary Ann D. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-07-08 08:40:43

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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-07-08 07:49:16

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i dont get it - 2009-07-08 05:29:27

If they are tearing down the whole thing, where is the discrimination. It's not like the housing authority checked the residents' bios and said, "Yep...that's the one where the blacks live...lets tear it down".


These will be the same people that will sue when they experience health problems from issues arising from the aging properties. I used to be a supporter of public housing because it did help out some people, but more and more, I am beginning to see why some just want to get rid of all of it.

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Johnathan Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Race Card....WOW - 2009-07-08 02:43:23

I am a black female, and I would love for these people to take just a portion of my mortgage.($2OOO and some change) That race card is getting real old!!!!Black People, please stop the racial sh***!!! You are the ones that keeping racism alive today!! Get an education and a descent job. BUY A DAMN HOME for pete's sake.

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M. J. - Annapolis, md - Karma: Neutral

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appeasement - 2009-07-07 22:23:21

i'm anxious to hear how mayoral candidate Cohen will appease his angry base. perhaps instead of naming the new gym on Hilltop the Moyer Center he will offer to name it the Obama Center.

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Mervis Pervis - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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typical - 2009-07-07 17:00:43

the people that pay the least amount of taxes
and demand the most services are allways
crying racism to get more for nothing,and politicians are scared to stand up to them.
politcal correctness is killing this country,
every white politician lives in fear of being
labeled a racist

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george w. - edgewater, MD - Karma: Good

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unbelievable - 2009-07-07 16:39:02

The run-down free housing they currently have is being replaced with brand new free housing, at no expense to them...and they want to sue because of it? Wow. Their constant unwillingness to better themselves has hit an all-time high.

You know what, here's a solution: instead of building the new projects, just give these people the $12 million to go buy their own homes, and turn the land into a park or something. They'll still get free housing, but at least the city won't have to deal with this mess in the future.

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Scott S. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Let me get this straight... - 2009-07-07 15:57:32

The people who live in these properties pay little and sometimes zero rent... neglect/abuse the properties to a point where it is cheaper to knock them down and start over than fix them... and then they generate and/or tolerate crime so bad that I wouldn't DARE walk down Clay street in broad daylight without a gun...
Then some well intenioned but not so bright politicians get together and decide to fix some of the problems by altering the property and funding the replacement of these units during a time where tax revenues are deeply depressed... (you know, the taxes that us productive members of society pay not the tenants)

And now these benefactors (i'm being nice, i could call them pigs at the trough), want to complain that they might not get placed back into the nice new digs.

Does that about sum it up? WOW. Here is my answer to them as a tax payer. Dear current tenants... TOUGH!!!, GET A GOOD JOB AND YOU CAN LIVE WHEREVER YOU WANT!

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B K. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Good

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