Southridge See the Problem?
Posted by Sandy on March 18, 2024 · Leave a Comment
When I think things couldn’t get worse for the residents of WPB I find myself surprised once again.
WPB Government, under the guidance of Mayor Keith James is at it again with the help of his minions, better known as the Cornerstone five. and now the city is focused on the Hispanic Community.
Southridge West Palm Beach Housing Authority:
“Southridge located at 3801 Georgia Avenue was built in 1941 is a designated elderly development that contains 148 units and is located on a 12.5 acre site convenient to shopping, public transportation and medical facilities. A variety of health, social and related support services are provided to the elderly residents.”
https://www.wpbha.org/housing/public_housing/south_ridge.php
July 31, 2009 by Ken Steinhoff
“Southridge, one of West Palm Beach’s oldest public housing projects is exactly half-way between my home and the newspaper where I worked for 35 years. It’s also just across the street from the old carriage house I wrote about in May. Both of them are in the shadow of the Southern Blvd. FEC Railroad overpass.
The population of Southridge appears to have become more diversified over the years. When I rode through there last night, I’d say that a large number of the residents are Hispanic, which reflects the overall neighborhood makeup.
Southridge has strong sense of community”
http://www.palmbeachbiketours.com/stimulus-project-fdr-style/
Palm Beach Post June 6, 2022
“Senior housing bid raises questions”
“Am I understanding this correctly? There are 148 low-income senior housing units occupying a complex on Georgia Avenue. The city (of West Palm Beach) has agreed to pay $640,000, which with low-income housing federal tax credits and a mortgage, will allow a developer to spend $35 million to tear down and replace the units with 150 units.
One way to think about this is that two low-income senior housing units are being added for $17.5 million apiece, and the government covers the cost to house people who are displaced until the new housing is ready. The proposed four-story complex frees up space for the developer to insert 200 more units, some for affordable and workforce housing. That’s a separate deal which will likely take in more tax dollars and tax incentives.”
I was told the story of the Hispanic community living in the Southridge community and what they were experiencing under the James administration, and I wanted to see and hear for myself what was going on. A friend, who speaks Spanish agreed to accompany and interpret for me. Here’s what I found.
I met two senior citizens; one was 77 and the other 87 years of age. I won’t use their names because I am afraid they will be retaliated against.
Here’s what I learned.
Both seniors receive Social Security monthly and told me one received $958.00 and the other $1,040 a month.
Both receive numerous letters from the city, and I was shown the documents which I had no problem reading because they were in English, and they had no idea what information the city was sending them because they can’t read English. See the problem?
They were told they are going to be moved. They don’t know when or where. See the problem?
They will be given a $900.00 voucher to move elsewhere. See the problem?
The city has moved 5 senior citizens, who are ill to a new location within the past month. They walked with me and pointed out the apartments which were in darkness. They can’t visit with their friends because their whereabouts are unknown. See the problem?
Hopefully you read the PB post story and recall the quote “the government covers the cost to house people who are displaced until the new housing is ready;” Where the hell are people going to be moved to and how long until the new housing is ready? the city doesn’t have affordable housing for working class people let alone senior citizens living on Social Security. Are we looking at more homeless people living on the streets? See the problem?
The 87-year-old resident invited me into her home and the place was spotless. It has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, living room, eat in kitchen and bathroom with a walk-in shower. The floors were hardwood, the walls painted, and she has lived there for 5 years, and claims she has everything she needs and very happy surrounded by her friends.
The West Palm Beach Housing Authority pay for water, gas, electricity and security. Each apt. has a gas stove and refrigerator. Furniture belongs to the tenant.
There is a security guard who they no longer see walking the area. Both admitted they get nervous when they see strangers or young people in the neighborhood.
They received notice that in the future they will be paying their own electric bills.
Seniors are told the buildings are old and they are replacing them with brand new ones, and they will be welcomed back when construction is over. These homes were built during WW2 and stood strong during hurricanes and other natural disasters. These were built back in the day when construction was done and done right. Remember the Champlain Towers built in 1981 and collapsed in 2021. Owners were not aware the building would collapse in 40 years.
Commissioner Christina Lambert, I have heard you tell people you are proud of your Hispanic heritage, as well you should be. Are you going to represent the Southridge residents and be a voice for them?
The Hispanic residents of Southridge are in trouble. You really should visit and talk to them. They will invite you into their home to see for yourself what they have.
I understand you don’t speak Spanish, so you also will need an interpreter.
Do you have any idea how stressful it will be for a 77- and 87-year-old to move– twice? Commissioner lambert do you see the problem, do you care?
The end