This has been a controversial issue in the Adams Point area. 401 Fairmount is currently a rather slumy dwelling not far from the new Whole Foods store still under construction. Apparently, AHA wants to obtain the City of Oakland's help in buying and then renovating this place. On the surface, it seems like a good idea. But for some reason, certain people don't want the City of Oakland to spend money on AHA to improve it.
Check out this email message from one concerned resident:
I just drove by the building the housing advocates want to buy. It is one of the two Pearl Street hell holes that have been repeatedly raided by OPD and the state bureau of narcotics. It's just up the block from where the man was murdered for his parking place.
This makes me so mad. The building is owned by a couple who lives on Skyline Boulevard and who has two other properties in our neighborhood, also run down, though not as badly as 401 Fairmount. Indeed, 401 Fairmount is the most dilapidated cash cow you ever saw, generating about $399,000 a year in revenue.
That's cash flow positive even at rock bottom rents, unlike the renovated duplexes in our community ,which are severely cash flow negative. The couple's total tax bill on the property is $26,182, though the problems created by their building are enough to keep 10 OPD officers employed full time.
Meanwhile, their 35-unit building is in such awful shape that just being in a unit whose rugs haven't been cleaned in 20 years can bring on an asthma attack. I'm told the entire building is seismically unsafe and that the balcony railings are rusted. And that's just the beginning of the code violations.
If the place is so bad, why not welcome AHA's involvement? What does the person want, for the problems she points out to remain? Confusing at best.
AHA Meeting
Affordable Housing Associates (AHA) invites the HarriOak community to discuss AHA's interest in purchasing and renovating a dilapidated apartment building located at 401 Fairmount Avenue. Please join AHA staff to share your ideas and concerns.
Monday Sept 24, 2007
7:15 pm
First Congregational Church of Oakland
2501 Harrison Street.
We will meet in the Pilgrim Fellowship Room. If you have questions in advance of the meeting, please contact Eve at 510-649-8500 x 21.
Check out this email message from one concerned resident:
I just drove by the building the housing advocates want to buy. It is one of the two Pearl Street hell holes that have been repeatedly raided by OPD and the state bureau of narcotics. It's just up the block from where the man was murdered for his parking place.
This makes me so mad. The building is owned by a couple who lives on Skyline Boulevard and who has two other properties in our neighborhood, also run down, though not as badly as 401 Fairmount. Indeed, 401 Fairmount is the most dilapidated cash cow you ever saw, generating about $399,000 a year in revenue.
That's cash flow positive even at rock bottom rents, unlike the renovated duplexes in our community ,which are severely cash flow negative. The couple's total tax bill on the property is $26,182, though the problems created by their building are enough to keep 10 OPD officers employed full time.
Meanwhile, their 35-unit building is in such awful shape that just being in a unit whose rugs haven't been cleaned in 20 years can bring on an asthma attack. I'm told the entire building is seismically unsafe and that the balcony railings are rusted. And that's just the beginning of the code violations.
If the place is so bad, why not welcome AHA's involvement? What does the person want, for the problems she points out to remain? Confusing at best.
AHA Meeting
Affordable Housing Associates (AHA) invites the HarriOak community to discuss AHA's interest in purchasing and renovating a dilapidated apartment building located at 401 Fairmount Avenue. Please join AHA staff to share your ideas and concerns.
Monday Sept 24, 2007
7:15 pm
First Congregational Church of Oakland
2501 Harrison Street.
We will meet in the Pilgrim Fellowship Room. If you have questions in advance of the meeting, please contact Eve at 510-649-8500 x 21.
Comments