[RP TownTalk] More thoughts on multi-family houses

[kathy galleher]

I have really appreciated the generally thoughtful tone of this discussion.

I just wanted to add my two cents to the notions of  property values and overcrowded houses in our town.  Just anecdotal evidence, but I volunteer and go to church in Langley Park with a community mostly comprised of  recent immigrants.   Many of them live in quite crowded shared apartments out of economic necessity.  It seem like when folks have found a measure of financial success, the "move up" to Riverdale Park from Langley Park because it is seen as a more desirable neighborhood.  And they may take in other families to afford their mortgages. 

The alternative to these multi-family arrangements is that many of these houses would end up in foreclosure, as several in my neighborhood have.  From my perspective, this has a far more detrimental impact on our property values than multiple families living in one house.  (Not to even get started on the 
crazy mortgages that were given on these houses in the height of the 
real estate boom, but a very very modest house across the street from me was sold and financed at $375K!  Today it might sell for 200K or less.  Not surprisingly, it was in foreclosure a year ago)  

I think the original poster had a question along the lines of "what can be done to help?".  I personally think the answer is jobs jobs jobs.  The more people work, the more they can afford to have "a room of their own".  Because I am certain these families would prefer their own space if it were financially feasible.
KG.



      
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