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Guest Column: Public housing woes can't wait

By STANFORD ERICKSON

Published 12/31/08

Change is taking place in Annapolis, and we Annapolitans are not managing it well.

Part of the problem is a governance system that operated fairly well while Annapolis was a small town in which most people had known each other for years, if not generations. But we are now a city with a lot of newcomers.

Faced with this reality, many Annapolitans and even some aldermen are banging the drums for reducing the authority of the mayor and having a city manager who can have some autonomy from political pressure. This may help control costs, improve city services and resolve the Market House debacle.

But an empowered city manager could not deal with an even greater problem confronting our city: Public housing is the No. 1 concern with the majority of Annapolitans, both those who live in it and those who live around it.

The public housing problem has been exacerbated as Annapolis made the transition from a small town, in which neighbors knew one another and took care of one another, into a city.

As the recent series of articles in The Sunday Capital and The Capital (Dec. 14 to 16) graphically illustrated, public housing in Annapolis is not a disaster about to happen. It is a disaster happening.

As the last of the articles documented, many of our current leaders acknowledge the problem with public housing, but few are willing to come up with solutions that actually focus on the crux of the problem.

But many of us are also responsible for this silence among our leaders. We are well aware that to speak out on this critical issue can instantly tar us as "insensitive to the needs of poor people" or, even worse, "racist."

But as President-elect Barack Obama has demonstrated over two years of campaigning, it is time for the country to courageously attempt to deal with difficult problems as Americans, and not as African Americans or white Americans.

We can do something about public housing. There will be an election for mayor and aldermen in 2009. There are already a lot of candidates, but, unfortunately, most of them were the ones who contributed most to the problems now facing us.

Annapolitans should vote only for leaders who have the fortitude and practical experience to confront the problems of public housing.

We need leaders who recognize that more than 30 percent of those in city public housing had never lived in Annapolis before they moved there. They have moved here from Prince George's and Baltimore counties, which have methodically reduced their own public housing and have shuffled off their poor to Annapolis. More than half the people waiting for public housing in Annapolis are not Annapolitans.

The recent killings appear to be a turf war between longtime Annapolis public housing residents and new residents from elsewhere, primarily Baltimore.

In some cases, as The Capital's articles pointed out, two or three generations of the same family reside in public housing.

The average age of an Annapolis public housing facility is 38 years old. Some are nearly 70 years old and have never had extensive remodeling. Public housing has not been very safe. There is concern about lead-based paint, and the maintenance appears to be less than adequate.

I am proposing a plan based on the following assumptions:

Public housing should be interim, transient, short-term assistance to help people during tough times. The longest any one family should receive public housing, unless family members are disabled, should be five years.

Facilities should be safe and healthy. They should be well maintained, and any facility older than 40 years should have had a major renovation.

This housing should be for those who have already lived in Annapolis for a minimum of five years.

Concentrating and segregating financially deprived people in dilapidated facilities is dehumanizing and does not permit their assimilation into more normal society - mixed-income neighborhoods where there would be good role models. Assimilation would also permit more affluent residents to be useful and aware of those who are less financially fortunate.

If these facts and assumptions are correct, we can provide a long-range plan to reduce public housing residents from 2,600 people to 1,600 people. We have an asset basis for rebuilding public housing to be better geographically assimilated into our community, and to create programs to assist residents to graduate to ownership of their residences.

The land value of the 10 public housing facilities in Annapolis is at least $1 billion, and perhaps as high as $2 billion. This gives us the financial wherewithal to rebuild better and more appealing public housing facilities.

Also, land around current public housing facilities would increase in value, providing increased tax revenue that could be earmarked for a trust fund designed to assist public housing residents to own their homes.

This plan surely needs to be adjusted and modified. But it is a plan.

Given the dire problems with public housing in Annapolis, all those seeking to be mayor or alderman need to be similarly forthright about how they would deal with this problem.

Annapolitans should not vote for anyone who skirts the issue, hides from the problem or panders to those who want to keep the status quo. The status quo can only mean more killings and another generation of young children raised in a dehumanizing environment.

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Chuck - January 15, 2009

I believe you are missing the point. Emma is not challenging the people that truly need the TEMPORARY hand UP, but challenging those who take advantage. You seem to know statistics.... what is the percent of those truly in TEMPORARY need verses those who take and take and take and take??

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Debbie F. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

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Oh Emma - January 13, 2009

Emma , About accusing you of generalizing, your words speak for itself. You were fortunate to have a mother that could guide you to a good path in life but there are families that are less fortunate.In some instances their parent or parents are on drugs and the children may end up in public housing as young adults to evade the drugs that are at their parents home.You do not know everyones situation. Each family has a different problem one could be a mother with children getting out of an abusive relationship. If you would like I would introduce you to some of the families in public housing so that you can talk to them and find out some of their situations instead of judging them all as freeloaders, people with no pride and deadbeats .

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Chuck L. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Why Worry? - January 12, 2009

Because it's taxpayer money that is being wasted and I'm a taxpayer. I bet I could do a lot more with that money than the deadbeats that get it from my hard work. Sure, I grouse about it here... but I also call my Congressional and Senatorial representatives at least twice a month and make sure they know where I'm coming from. (not that my opinions will sway those that currently control the nanny state of MD but I'm not sure what else I can do)

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B Kibbey - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Why Worry - January 10, 2009

Yep, there are people who take advantage of the system all the time. But to grouse about it makes me just as fed up. You're successful and that's what matters. It is sad and it makes people mad that other people live off the dole. But I also get mad when knuckleheaded business people go to Capitol Hill to beg for a bailout. It's called corporate welfare. All I can do is shrug my shoulders and carry on...why should I continously worry about what others are doing?

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Oh Chuck - January 10, 2009

You accused me of being out of touch so I gave you a real life example. I could give dozens more. Now you accuse me of generalizing. You Sir need to look at statistics. I'll grant you one thing, many folks in Public Housing or otherwise 'On the Dole' do not LEGALLY own cars, The cars they drive everyday are 'owned' by other people. We could have gotten government freebies too if only Mom had sold the car or as it was suggested "Sell it to someone on paper then you'll qualify for assistance." She refused. We kept our PRIDE and kept the car and fixed it ourselves and refused to LIE about our assets. I had to learn how to replace a six cylinder engine, transmission and all the rest when the car broke and install a V8. My Prom dress money went toward a oil pump and timing chain for the junkyard engine. My Graduation money went towards more repairs. Meanwhile the Welfare recipients across the street didn't worry as they were flush with cash...no graduation costs because they all dropped out. My brothers went on to become auto-parts salesmen, police officers, and (Thanks to us learning to replace engines etc.) a Senior Master Technician for Ford. I'd say 80% of the folks on Public Assistance that SHOULD have graduated in my class ended up as deadbeats as are their kids and grandkids. And that's a FACT.

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simply put - January 10, 2009

People who are given everything, value nothing. I think there are too many people in public housing that are unwilling to earn things for themselves. Instead, they complain that the government isn't giving them enough. I've posted before about the folks that come to my wife and beg her to alter their job paperwork so it looks like they are earning less (to keep their welfare/public housing/etc. benefits at higher levels). It should make EVERY tax payer angry that these people waste our money and drag our community down. Get up or get out!

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B K. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Response to Emma - January 8, 2009

Emma, Yes there are people that exploit the system but they are few. Most people in public housing don't have cars. You are generalizing that everyone in public housing have the same issues. You would know that they do not if you was inter-acting. I can see where your anger comes from.I don't know where you were living but with mini bikes, it doesn't cound like the city.

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Chuck L. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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You tell em' Emma! - January 8, 2009

That one paragraph puts it best. If these lazy folks don't want to at least TRY to get their life in order in 5 years, then get out! Transition is the key folks, don't make these homes a way of life.

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Steven I. - Glen Burnie, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Response to Chuck - January 7, 2009

Hi Chuck, Indeed I lived alongside folks in public housing. We had very little income and struggled to pay rent. The folks across the street got Food Stamps, AFDC, near free housing etc. We ate beans and bologna. They had whatever they wanted. We drove a barely running 66 station wagon. They always had new cars and mini-bikes. We all worked starting at age 13. NONE of them held any job ever. Today we are all prosperous, they're STILL on the Dole as are all their children, grandkids and great-grandkids. It's self perpetuating destruction of society that is getting worse. Free this! Free that! There is little incentive to better oneself if you get what you need doing nothing.

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Emma Giles - West River, MD - Karma: Neutral

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sorry? - January 7, 2009

Chuck, just answering your question "The question is: Can someone live in Annapolis on minimum wages and not live in public housing," which is "yes". And, you made no mention of "families" in your post.

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Johnathan Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Good

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roommates - January 7, 2009

sorry Jonathan,these are families not individuals, mostly single parent families. Try again

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Chuck L. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Chuck - January 7, 2009

Yes you can live on $1000/month; Its called roommates.

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Public Housing - January 7, 2009

Emma Giles, I can tell that you are not in touch with society.From what you have previously said, It is most likely that you don't have an inter-active relation with anyone that lives in public housing and that would be a diservice if you are a public official. Mr. Ericson have some good ideas not all but some.I also belive that Annapolitans should come first.If a tenant makes $1000 per month how can they move on after 5 years in Annapolis? I am not a genius but I can count. The question is: Can someone live in Annapolis on minimum wages and not live in public housing?

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Chuck L. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - January 5, 2009

Staff message: Off-topic comment.

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Paul Foer - January 4, 2009

Paul, You don't DESERVE anything. Maybe I'm a public figure. Think of Ann Coulter with an Afro. I have every right to express my opinion as you do. If you don't think our great society is fair then go elsewhere. Try Cuba. And don't ever accuse me of racism again.

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Plan Ahead - January 3, 2009

Stanford, Thanks for your insight into the problems of public housing. Isn't it a sad testimant to the state of this Republic that we citizens feel stripped of our power to control our own neighborhoods because the Federal Government controls the decision making? It seems all we can do is stare at the abyss of HUD beaurocracy without any hope of a resolution. That said, I don't think we need to accept the existince of blighted public housing as a permanent fact of life, in Annapolis or anywhere. But change will not happen by merely wishig it so. We need a specific plan that calls for privatization of the public housing properties over a 5 year time period. The properties should be redeveloped as market rate housing, with some provisions for Affordable Dwelling Units available to public employees of the City of Annapolis. Proceeds from this plan should be used to provide housing for any elderly residents of the existing projects. If we are truly powerless to act then it's bloody well time for a little revolution, as Mr. Jefferson would wish us to act. We don't need to be sheep.

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Mervis Pervis - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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Emma Giles Again.... - January 2, 2009

This time it's about vasectomies and orphanages! On another post it's about Obama's magic green bus running on water. We deserve to know who is this Emma who takes his/her name from a once popular Bay ferry. Is it right that Emma should post so frequently and with such strong opinions in an anonymous manner? Why is Emma afraid to tell us who she/he is? Regarding Emma's comments on public housing, he/she mistakenly assumes that we have this wonderfully compassionate, fair and functional culture that gives everyone equal opportunity and those on the losing end lose because of their own damn fault. That could be debated endlessly and humanity does that, but Emma sees everything in a very strict, cut and dry, shall we say black and white way? If Emma has something valuable to say, why not use his or her real name?

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paul foer - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible

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Work for the City Instead - January 1, 2009

I also want to commend Mr. Erickson for publicly offering solutions to the public housing crisis. I would like to add an idea for public consumption. For those receiving assistance, couldn't they pay back the assistance they are receiving by working for the city/county/state? There are many tasks that need to be completed and, with the recession we are in, will probably not get done. It could be jobs that require on the job training (OJT) where the participants learn a trade or skill in addition to giving back for the assistance they receive. Here is an example of how this would work. If rent on a typical 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment in Annapolis is 1200.00 and a person in public housing is asked to pay 400.00 a month to live there, they would have to work for Annapolis to pay for the rest. The job they would be doing would have a pay rate associated to it. The person receiving assistance would have to work the number of hours x the rate per hour to make up the difference. I do not work for state and local government but I am quite certain there are jobs to be done that could fit this model. This is a way to provide assistance with dignity for shelter and job training. For those closer to state/local government, could such an idea work?

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Steve K. - ANNAPOLIS, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Why not...... - January 1, 2009

Get rid of Public Housing? What has it done except generate a half century of folks that think the government owes them something? Let them work and actually build a life. Can't or won't support their kids? Orphanages worked and will work again. I also suggest these folks getting off the bed and getting tubes tied or a vasectomy or at least use birth control until you get you get your life in order.

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Emma Giles - West River, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Marylanders need to help - January 1, 2009

Public Housing is not just a Annapolis problem, it is a Maryland problem, Annapolis is the state capital of Maryland and anything that reflects badly on Annapolis also reflects badly on the entire state and the Governor and members of both houses. Public officials are elected to solve problems especially those that are right before their eyes. In addition, much of the overflow of poor people in Annapolis?s public housing come from Baltimore and Prince George counties. Annapolis is carrying the burden of other communities that won?t bear their fair share of taking care of poor people. Maryland needs to help Annapolis with its public housing debacle

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nancy m. - annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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Public housing woes - January 1, 2009

3 cheers for Stanford Erickson 1) for his initiatives to Stop the Gunfire in Eastport Now, for his ?Public housing woes can?t wait? 2) for his courage in the face of likely being called an elitist, or a racist, or even an opportunist [who can doubt that the value of his Eastport residence, and mine too, would increase if the gunfire from nearby public housing stopped] 3) and, for his willingness to submit a plan for the public discussion, critique, and modification which can help us all to improve the current situation. The most challenging obstacles to changing the system  the inability to prohibit non-Annapolitans from access to public housing in Annapolis, and  the inability to ensure that the subsidies we provide are for temporary, limited-year relief of peoples? inability to afford safe, decent shelter stem from our unwillingness to cut the purse strings of Federal support for public housing subsidies ? and results in our subjugation to accepting those strings that are attached to U.S. Dept. of HUD funding. Those purse strings are in the form of regulations in the enabling legislation (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 24, Chapter IX) such as  the HUD regulation that tenants can?t be excluded based on a local residency requirement, or such as  the HUD regulation that once in, their lease term can?t be limited to a specific length of tenure. But that Federal money does not come from a disembodied entity called ?The Government?: ?The Government? and its funding is in reality only the tax dollars paid in the form of Income Taxes and other Federal taxes paid by citizens of Annapolis, and the rest of Maryland, and the rest of the states, too. But why should those states (and even the rest of Maryland) pay for our public housing ? We?re not too thrilled to be paying our Federal taxes for their pork barrel projects; their Bridges to Nowhere.

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Harvey Singer - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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Public Housing Safety - December 31, 2008

I have followed the discussions of public housing happening in Annapolis. As a police officer who works with a public housing authority, I am always interested in the ways in which public housing works, and doesn't work. Public Housing can contribute to public safety. Public housing has something to offer. Public housing can be safe and orderly; it can offer places where people can grow and thrive. But public housing residents must be a part of the solution. They are the first line of defense against crime and disorder in their communities. I am a proponent of public housing safety alliances, a collaborative effort between residents and police, housing, and mental health professionals. Everything we need to create safe environments is in place; we just need to different groups to step out of their "silos" and work together. Public housing authorities are regulated by the federal government; local governments cannot simply impose their will on them. But Congress has given the housing authorities powerful weapons to deal with criminal activity that affects the health, safety, and peaceful enjoyment of the property. All the tools are there to create safe and orderly environments.

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