 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||
A Call to Fight Back Against Rent Increases in Boston
by Alice Leung
Chinese Progressive Association
May 31, 2005
In less than a year, tenants from four housing developments in Chinatown had organized in different capacities to fight rent increases. The warnings of gentrification seemed surreal for many at one point in time. However, its impacts on Chinatown are hitting faster than expected.
Tenants of moderate income units from Chauncy House, a mixed-income development in Chinatown, were successful in fighting the proposed 25% increase in their rent. However, before the tenants even had a chance to celebrate the victory that came from a 9-month struggle, the owner of the development already has to start planning for next year's rent increase.
21 Edinboro Street is another subsidized development in Chinatown that had been increasing their rent every year since 2000. The annual rates of increase from 2000-2004 are 20%, 10%, 9%, 10% and 10% respectively. Within a short period of four years, tenants' rents have been increased by almost 60%! Despite the large increases in the last few years, it was only recently after tenant organizing and pressure from HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) that the landlord had agreed to implement major repairs and maintenance improvements for the building.
Oak Terrace is a mixed-income subsidized building developed by a non-profit community development corporation. Some tenants received a rent increase that was as high as 20% this year. Oak Terrace was developed back in the mid 1990s to alleviate the great need for affordable housing in Chinatown. Yet, the long term sustainability of affordable housing at Oak Terrace seems uncertain.
Tenants from 81 Essex St Apartments recently received a notice from the new owner of the development to either accept a rent increase or move out. One of the tenants had his rent increased by 18%. Different units within the building are being renovated so that it can be rented out at a more expensive price. According to a newspaper ad, a one bedroom apartment will cost $1,100 and a two bedroom apartment will cost $1,400.
Next > Strategy: Focusing on the neediest & building intercommunity struggle
1 2
