Representatives from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority met with City of Ypsilanti officials today to discuss concerns that senior citizens living at the Cross Street Village apartments have about possibly losing their affordable housing units.
State Representative Ronnie Peterson from the 54th District planned on attending the meeting but didn't because it was not open to the public and because the Director of MSHDA, Earl Poleski, didn't want to participate in a separate public meeting with tenants at the complex. Poleski says he has no problem meeting with tenants.
"We want to make sure the tenants have a chance to meet in private with MSHDA representatives because not everyone wants to discuss their personal stuff in a public forum."
Among those present at the closed door meeting was City Council Member Beth Bashert from the second ward who says a couple ideas were discussed on how to address the issue of possible rent increases.
"Really not prepared to discuss them at this time. I don't think it would be fair to the residents or to any of the processes yet. The minute that something looks possible and a little bit more real we are going to start talking with folks more."
A regulatory agreement that provides affordable housing to seniors at the complex will expire by the end of August, and, as a result, the property owner would be able to start charging market value rates. However, current tenants will have a three-year period before their rent completely increases to market value.
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— Jorge Avellan is a reporter for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him javellan@emich.edu
