Envy Apartment

Last year, the Miami- Dade County Commission shot down a plan that would have forced local developers to include some affordable apartments in every new project. Commissioner Javier Souto claimed the idea was "social engineering," one of the most profoundly stupid things said in South Florida politics this decade. According to the study, almost two-thirds of Miami's poor are stuck spending more than half of their income on rent or living in roach-infested hellholes. "These households are defined as very low-income renters who do not receive government housing assistance and who paid more than one-half of their income for rent, lived in severely inadequate conditions , or both," HUD's researchers write. "High rents in proportion to renter incomes remain dominant among households with worst-case needs, leaving these renters with substantial, unmet need for affordable housing." Larger cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, techn...

Most Americans are behind on their savings. The median amount the average American family has saved for retirement is just $5,000, according to a recent report from the Economic Policy Institute . Even among those nearing retirement age (age 56-61), the median amount saved is a mere $17,000. Also, while the cost of living in the U.S. varies depending on the area of the country, it's generally becoming more expensive to cover the basic necessities. Once you consider the costs of healthcare, long-term care, and other expenses you may incur during retirement, it may be more expensive than you think to retire comfortably. But who says you have to retire in the U.S.? With increasing healthcare costs , a shaky Social Security program , and rising home prices , it may be a good idea to pack your bags and consider moving abroad during retirement. Here are a few cities that may be a good choice for retirees looking for a more affordable lifestyle. Image source: Getty Images. 1. Kingston,...

At the ribbon cutting this month for the Wesley Village affordable housing complex in Garden Grove, Laura Archuleta couldn ’t resist referencing Joni Mitchell ’s 1970 environmental protest “Big Yellow Taxi.” Built on underused land that’s part of the Garden Grove United Methodist Church campus on Main Street, Wesley Village offered Archuleta , president of the nonprofit community organization Jamboree Housing Corp ., a chance to riff on one of Mitchell’s most famous lyrics. Where Mitchell sang “They paved paradise/And put up a parking lot,” Archuleta told about 300 people packed into the steamy church sanctuary on a hot afternoon that “Today we are going to learn how a group of dedicated organizations and individuals re-purposed a parking lot and put up a paradise.” Then she and others who spoke, including a single mom with six children who now reside at Wesley Village , told how the project became reality through a unique collaboration that involved the church, Jamboree and other...

Balancing the needs of the residents who live here and the tourists who come to visit requires political will and leadership. After years of discussions and failed proposals, it’s time for clarity on an issue central to San Diego’s housing and tourism markets — short- term vacation rentals . Through a March 15, 2017 memo, City Attorney Mara Elliott opined that short-term rentals are illegal under the current City zoning laws . The City is now awaiting regulatory guidance from the City Council before taking any action to enforce the City Attorney ’s memo. My proposed regulatory framework respects the rights of property owners, upholds current zoning laws and creates a workable compromise. I will present a draft ordinance for community review at a public Town Hall meeting 6 -7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 30, at the La Jolla Community Center . My proposal protects the rights of homeowners who wish to participate in home sharing by renting out a room in their home to help make ends me...

Reliable Sports owner Ken Vos sold to a different buyer. By Sydney.Smith@hollandsentinel.com (616) 546-4219 Reliable Sports isn ’t going anywhere. After Holland City Council approved an affordable housing development earlier this year, developer General Capital could not secure funding through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority , and Reliable Sports owner Ken Vos sold to another buyer who wants to keep the business open. Vos confirmed that the building is under contract to be sold in a sale that will be finalized at the end of September. The building located at 254 S. River Ave. was sold in July. Vos declined to share who the new owner will be, but said they "are a prominent figure in downtown Holland ." He still plans to retire, and a retirement sale is underway at the store. Since the business will remain open, that means the planned 54- unit affordable housing building Centennial Apartments will not happen — unless the new buyer decides to work with...

Collect this idea Rooftop lounge at The Dylan in West Hollywood As the second-largest city in the U.S. with the biggest population in California, Los Angeles has mountains, beaches and deserts all within a short driving distance . In addition to a multitude of outdoor activities, L.A. offers job opportunities galore ; its diverse economy is the third largest in the world, after Tokyo and New York. Some of L.A.’s biggest industries include culture , fashion, education, sports, entertainment, medicine and a booming startup tech field that is thriving on the Westside ( nicknamed Silicon Beach ). Los Angeles is often called the creative capital of the world , as one in six residents works in the creative industries of music, TV or film. Not surprisingly, the city has a thriving arts scene . There are more than 800 museums and art galleries in Los Angeles County —   more per person than any other city in the world. And for night owls, the nightclub and restaurant scene offers plenty of...