Aren't ya glad you don't have to hear this? (and you thought Victory Stadium was long)

Since Matinecock Court was proposed in 1978, area residents have
fought to stop it. Lawsuits were filed by Housing Help Inc. against the
town, the state and the parcel's owner. After the third suit was
settled in 2002, the process to develop the 15-acre site on the corner
of Elwood and Pulaski roads has moved slowly as Housing Help Inc. tried
to comply with government agencies and appease community concerns.

The
current plan calls for 77 owner-occupied apartment units and 78 rental
units. Renters can earn no more than 60 percent of the median family
income for Nassau and Suffolk counties, currently $91,000 for a family
of four, and owners no more than 80 percent. (Via Newsday)

Why all the consternation and problems? Well, local residents feared the housing project would lead to crime, drug dealing, increased traffic, an increased burden on the schools (by folks who would not be paying the local school tax most likely). And aside from the traffic issue, which even they admit is possible, it seems like it was the first civil meeting ever held on this issue. Until..

Shades of our own Victory Stadium nonsense ensue. One individual rose to speak: An outburst of groans and boos from the crowd of 250 or so greeted one
resident who said, in part, he feared residents in the development
wouldn't be able to afford the area's lifestyle, forcing their children
into drug dealing.

Wow, thats some smarts right there. And before you think its absolutely ludicrous, think again. Some of the statements made from both supporters of, and detractors of Victory Stadium had the same problematic grasp on reality.

But the leap from one civic issue (VS) to one neighborhood issue is not that far. Similar sentiments are being expressed in relation to the development of the Countryside Golf course. Rather than being thankful theres been no move to expand the airport across 581 (not unheard of either, the technology is called a tunnel and a bridge) which could bring us the capability to land 747's in Roanoke (and allow them to take off as well!), and wanting to see city designs on how to make best use of greenspace in the "new" community - some folks have jumped the gun.

I understand, the noise from the construction would be a burden, and there would be no more letting your dogs poop on someone elses grass - but the city is not getting any larger - and it needs to expand beyond the glut of available rental housing it currently has.

I recently read a story on a trend developing in larger cities wherein landlords, who own homes that have been converted into apartments, are now looking to sell the homes to the tennants. Why? Personally, I don't think its worth it. Owning multiple properties can be a labor, and having seen some of these properties come available on the market recently.. well, if you think an extra Five Grand a year is worth the Twenty Grand you have to put into the place, then go for it. Someone suggest that when the new Forgotten-Roanoke HQ is selected, should the need or opportunity become available in the future, rather than sell the home - rent it while you buy another home.

I was appalled. But again, thats a me thing. I'd rather take my homes, one at a time please.

But take a good look at those numbers again. As long as you are a family of four, and make less than Ninety One Thousand a year, you can live there.

And that causes people to worry?

Mythbusting time folks: YOU DO NOT MAKE MORE MONEY LIVING IN A MAJOR CITY. Actually, Im just slightly above par with what I would be making up in NY living here, and my money goes further. My working conditions are better, and my commute is much easier.

Unless your a) killing yourself, b) a graduate with a masters, or c) working multiple jobs - it's not easy to hit that $91,000 mark anywhere. Ask folks living in Hawaii - the highest Cost-of-Living state anywhere in the US.

If you would like to read the entire article, click here. Otherwise, feel free to leave me a comment - I'd seriously like to hear from people on the whole Myth of Money and Countryside Golf thing.