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Comments:
Dan Arbor - 2004-12-07 14:11:21 How long will the wrist-slapping go on? Why is he still allowed to do business as a landlord? Enough is enough...* * * * * * * * * * * * Dan Arbor - 2004-12-07 14:11:28Clearly, the guy doesn't give a damn about the law, or the health of his tenants and the public at large. How long will the wrist-slapping go on? Why is he still allowed to do business as a landlord? Enough is enough...* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-12-07 14:16:48One does wonder. Raymond has pointed out in the past that Mr. K.'s helped out people, perhaps kind of through benign neglect, but there have been an awful lot of what I guess you could call eyesore incidents, one of which I see every day--that burned-out white house in back of the Thompson.* * * * * * * * * * * * brett - 2004-12-07 16:59:25 as councilwoman schulze pointed out last december when they were proposing the 'peninsular place" apartments, "This isn�t being built in the middle of a neighborhood". Meaning, of course, that the area you're talking about isn't a neigborhood. From which we can assume that the several thousand people densely clustered there are not really human beings. So I don't understand the big deal. Shit happens.* * * * * * * * * * * * Ami Thomas - 2005-01-11 11:35:43I was reading the comment that "the...people that live there aren't really human beings." I live in Eastern Highlands. I am a full time law student at Cooley Law School (with a $50,000 scholarship). I graduated EMU in 2003. My husband works hard every day to put me through school. I have never been in any trouble with the law in my life. I assure you that I am a "human being." I moved here because of the large apartments with low rent. It does matter that there are significant problems here. I don't have children, but there are children here who are affected by this, and no one has the right to break the law by maintaining unsafe living conditions.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-01-11 11:38:41 Brett was being sarcastic, Ms. Thomas. Congratulations on your scholarship. * * * * * * * * * * * * Ami Thomas - 2005-01-11 14:05:33 I guess I somehow missed the humor. Maybe he has some more "sarcastic" comments about the blight of the lower class.* * * * * * * * * * * * Ami Thomas - 2005-01-11 14:05:58 I guess I somehow missed the humor. Maybe he has some more "sarcastic" comments about the blight of the lower class.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-01-11 14:07:12 He does not, and it is not fair of you to imply he does. You misread him.* * * * * * * * * * * * Ami Thomas - 2005-01-11 14:12:38 I think when you said "sarcastic" you meant "humorous". However, here is the dictionary definition of "sarcasm." A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound. A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule. So, I guess it is "sarcastic" in that sense. I don't know this guy, and I can only guess what he "meant", but I assure you that if he was a resident here and was literally standing in raw sewage in his own home (as some residents and children were), he would have a different take on it. That is all I am saying. I am well aware that there are residents here that are less than desirable. I am just glad that I am not in there position in life and I don't think any of them deserve to be treated poorly. * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-01-11 14:20:17 Putting aside for a moment what Brett said, it sounds as though you live in the apartments in question and thus can add some good insight into the horrible sewage situation. May I ask, what's been your experience with it?* * * * * * * * * * * * Ami Thomas - 2005-01-11 14:34:18 Hey, I'm not trying to bust up your post or be rude. I have a particular sensistivity to what, appears to me, to be a person who (based on his access and knowledge of computers) is probably alot better off than most of the people here. It is easy to judge others from across town. I have not had a good experience here. One thing that offended me the most was when what appeared to be a "crackhouse" of some sort moved into the next building this summer. There was a shooting in the parking lot as a result. There were residents and children outside at the time, but luckily no one was hurt. I guess what makes me so "sensitive" is that during this time, there were many clearly "middle class" folks driving up to that building in nice cars (ostensibly to buy drugs) and leaving quickly. These are the same sort of people (and I do NOT mean you or your friend) who can be heard around town making fun of "the Highlands", while greatly contributing to the problem. There doesn't appear to be a "crackhouse" anymore, but there is an incredibly high incidence of crime here. It could be assumed that most of it is due to the residents themselves, but there are residents here who are just hard-working people who got a bad break in life. The inside of many of the apartments look very nice, but the buildings are filthy, with the main doors unlocked, allowing all sorts of vagrants and others to enter to sleep, drink, and smoke drugs. It is not a pleasant or safe situation. I could go on and on, but believe me, any horror you could think of is going on here. I grew up in Detroit, and this is one hundred times worse. I didn't mention that I am in law school and such to brag, it is just that I have heard alot of people (I don't mean you) say that the people who live here are losers, so who cares? When I tell these "educated types" that I am in law school they suddenly change their tune. It is unfortunate, but that is the way most people think. I feel like the many of the residents are a problem, but the landlord should take reasonable care, as I believe he is required to by law. Currently there is a tenant's association, and most of the tenants (including myself) are now witholding rent until many of these issues have been resolved. I will be so glad when I am done with school and can move somewhere alot better, but considering that there are so many people here who have very limited financial options, I think it is important they they are protected and not taken advantage of. I personally didn't have the sewage problem in my building, but it was very scary when the Building Inspectors gave us notices that we might have to be evacuated during that time. I really hope that justice is served for all of the decent residents here. * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-01-11 14:40:25 I've never made fun of "the highlands" and would not--there are decent people in any housing complex, of course--low income people (like me), students, and so on. Your description is really gripping, though, and eye-opening. I didn't know life there was like that--it sounds scary. Your story is also an important one, in regards to tenant power, tenant rights, and the rent strike. I think people should know about the situation (the more the better) and with your kind permission, I'd like to make a new post about the situation (it's likely no one will ever read it down here). I can use your name or not, as you like. * * * * * * * * * * * * [email protected] - 2005-01-11 14:53:54 I don't mind if you use my posts anonymously. Do you live near the Highlands? I think that if anyone has any doubts about the way their landlord is behaving, they should contact an attorney. Legal Aid of Washtenaw County provides free services for low-income people. * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-01-11 15:20:49 Thank you for your permission. I've posted it anonymously. Surprised the Courier hasn't covered the rent strike (if they have, I've overlooked it). I don't live particularly near the Highlands (a couple blocks east of Prospect Park) but was around there quite a bit because I was very fond of the paper mill & photographed it as it was being destroyed. Legal Aid is a good tip--I hadn't known about that; thank you.* * * * * * * * * * * * add your comment: |