I have been mulling over Craig Miller's recent post regarding the role
individuals might play in helping to supply affordable housing. His
proposition was that 1000 homeowners in Minneapolis buying, rehabbing and
renting out properties would not only help the housing situation, but could
be community strengthening.
I must admit that for a moment I was revved up about going out to buy a
property, but know that is probably not in my deck of cards. However, it did
remind me that in the early 70's there was a group of neighbors in southeast
Minneapolis that did do exactly what Craig suggested - they bought problem
properties, rehabbed them and became the landlords until another owner could
be found. I think their motive was to be good landlords for student
housing, but the idea is transferable.
I don't know if any neighborhood groups are doing this now. Is Powderhorn
Residents Group still in the picture? I know a group in Phillips used to do
this too - is it still around? It just seems to me that some of the NRP
money could indeed be funneled into this type of activity. It would be a
wonderful way to target properties in need of help and also provide much
needed housing. Maybe I am just out of the loop and things like this are
happening.
What I see of NRP money in southwest is going to park improvements, traffic
studies, loan and grant programs (which I applaud). I would like to see
neighborhood groups adopt a more aggressive stance in this area. Actually
buying, rehabbing and becoming a landlord is a daunting proposition for an
individual - kudos to people like Craig - the load might be easier if shared
by the group.
Jan Del Calzo
Lynnhurst
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