Affordable Housing in Southern MD

[mrs potts]

Have you noticed that new houses are now costing over $250,000 and in some places, over $350,000?  What is a person to do if he/she only makes minimum wage and has children? :question: No wonder our shelters are overflowing at the seams...if you aren't military - Forget it!

What are your thoughts? :question: :question:

 

[voter]

And the price will only go up if you have to buy 20 acres of land.  They'll tell you to buy a used home or get the hell out of SMC.  SMC will soon be the land of the rich and the few people that can stay will be happy they helped make it that way until someone with more money forces them out.

It's the haves controlling the have-nots.  

It's economic evolution.  We are evolving into being rich snobs that believe we know what people should have and do and look like. We are smarter then the neighbors and they should listen to us or we will drive up their assets and force them to move because they don't make as much as we.

What's your name? do you have any stuff in your yard that we can call an eyesore.  Damit boy you left your bicycle in the front yard and now mommy and daddy will have to sell the farm to pay a fine because you could not follow the rules.
When are you going to learn that Mrs. Socialist down the street likes it clean around here?  

It's funny.  I bet the same people that get disgusted at driving by a neighborhood will preach about not judging people for what they look like and they will complain about how bad houses look and suggest somthing must be done to stop this.

 

[mrs potts]

AGREE!  I grew up in SMD, but now I am embarrassed to call SMD "home".  My husband and I are just waiting until we can get things in order so we can get OUT!  I don't want my daughter to grow up thinking there is something wrong with her just because she happens to live in a TH...

Who needs all that house anyway???  What are we trying to prove?  WE buy bigger houses, bigger vehicles, multiple vehicles and live on credit and meanwhile, our planet EARTH suffers and dies.  When is it going to end?  Why force the 'little man' out since the RICH still like to go to MCD's!  Someone needs to live and work in the county!!

 

[Ken King]

Mrs. Potts,

Prices all over the nation are rising and I still feel you can get a better deal at times here then in other areas, granted not all the time but for the most part I would say we are very much aligned with this region and a lot less expensive then Northern Virginia or the suburbs of the metro area (we don’t even want to talk about places like California where housing prices are absurdly high).  You ask, “What is a person to do if he/she only makes minimum wage and has children?”  I would say improve your education and apply to get a better job.  At minimum wages you would be hard pressed to find anything to rent much less buy.  Also if you can enlighten me as to your comment regarding the military as I am somewhat confused by your meaning.  Are you implying that just because you are in the military you can afford a $250,000 – $300,000 home?  Unless the pay has changed dramatically in the past few weeks very few, if any, military can afford homes in that price range, even with the entitlements that they get for housing.  I think if there are military buying houses in that price range it is due to multiple incomes being earned within the family and the non-military person is making big money.

I see it as inevitable that as time goes on, and available land becomes more scarce, those prices will continue to increase.  The population of the US and the world is still growing and as long as that happens owning a piece of land will continue to be more and more expensive.  It is all a process of supply and demand.

 

[mrs potts]

Ken King on 12:16 pm on Mar. 20, 2002[br]Mrs. Potts,

Are you implying that just because you are in the military you can afford a $250,000 – $300,000 home?  Unless the pay has changed dramatically in the past few weeks very few, if any, military can afford homes in that price range, even with the entitlements that they get for housing.  

Regarding my military quote - I meant for jobs....if you are in the military or a civilian working on base, you have a better chance of finding a job.  What are the other options is SMD?  Retail and restaurants...there are few industry-related organizations located in SMD that provide jobs.  Many people commute out of the county to work in VA or DC.  If you don't have a vehicle, your options are SEVERELY limited!  Metro is not accessible here and I don't see it as being a viable solution in the future.  What is next?  It is a heck of a long walk to DC!

Do you know how difficult it is to get an eduation in this county?   There are not enough teachers and qualified teachers leave our counties because the pay is low and they cannot afford to live in the county.

How do you respond to the child who lives in a shack without running water and electricity...how is s/he supposed to get his homework done once it has gotten dark?  Believe it or not, there are many, many people living in the counties (Charles, Calvert and St. Mary's) who live in trailers without water and electricity!  Please do NOT respond that the parent(s) can access the Dept. of Social Services and Governmental benefits...that is another issue...

I just do not understand why people have to live in mansion-sized homes.  Historically, it was how many children you had that showed your wealth.  Today, it is how big your house is and how many cars you own...This materialism scares the heck out of me.

 

[vraiblonde]

As a person who lives in a rather large home (6 bedrooms, 4 baths, two stories with a full basement) I can tell you that we live in a "mansion" <i>because we can</i>.  Last time I looked, this was still America, Land of the Free, and if we wanted to live in a large house and could afford it, there was nothing to stand in our way.

It's unfortunate that people have children they can't provide for, but why should I be penalized for it?  It has been my experience that there are plenty of parents in St. Mary's County that do not have necessities for their children, such as warm clothing and nourishing food.  However, I notice they still have plenty of money for beer and cigarettes so maybe that's the problem that needs to be addressed, not people who can afford to live in large homes.

 

[Christy]

Mrs. Potts, so what you are trying to say is that since you have chosen a life path that hasn't afforded you with a large income or the ability to "live in a mansion", the rest of us should feel guilty or somehow have the responsibility to live in a townhouse or trailor so your kids won't feel bad?  Let me also ask you this.  Where do you think the money comes from to pay for public transportation and "options" for low income households?  I'll tell you where it comes from.  It comes from me, and every other "wealthy" individual who pay outrageous taxes  to fund program after program to make life easier for those who "need more options".  

You know, I don't mean to bust on you, but I am sooooo tired of  the menatility that folks have these days that somehow they are entitled to a good paying job, transportation to that job, a standard of living adequate to those around you..... the list goes on.  

My husband and I have both come from very poor backgrounds so before you jump in and tell me that I have no way of understanding what it is like, I indeed do.  The difference is, I was never raised to feel that I was entitled to anything other than an opportunity, and that opportunity came from what I chose to do with my life, and that there would never be anyone there to hand it to me and if they were, to refuse it because it simply wasn't right to take handouts from anyone.  

I am 31 years old and I am very proud of the life I've made for myself and my family.  I would also be very happy if what I did paid minimum wage, because it's not about money, it's about self respect and not relying on anybody to provide for me or my family.  

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being poor.  There is something wrong with expecting the rest of us to make being poor a little less inconvenient for you.  

And also, I do know there are jobs out the wazoo in Southern MD, even for those with only a High School diploma or GED.  Making above minimum wage.

(Edited by Christy at 1:35 pm on Mar. 20, 2002)


(Edited by Christy at 1:36 pm on Mar. 20, 2002)

 

[PmoneyandTT]

the house thing is such over-rated.. I see re-sale homes selling for as little as $120-$130.. A basic ranch style home.. Please - anywhere in the country you are going to pay a pretty penny.. Unless you live in Mississippi - and your going to have to deal with the wages down there.. Like King Ken said before - excuses get you no where.. Educate yourself.. If your that broke - then you can practically go to school for free..

Excuses - keep you broke-uneducated- and disguised..

Use - candles..

Running water -  if you can't afford those necessities.. How are you on the computer?  The military may get a VHA - and dependant cost.. They have a chart that the military uses - depending on where you live.. Dependant cost - usually stays the same.. The VHA can vary from state to state.. On top of their base pay and any rations - or if they are pilots they will get extra.. But really it depends on how much you are in debt and how good a saver you have been in the past.. A E-5 can easily pay $900 rent/note.. More then likely his wife will work and they don't owe alot of debt.. But if they are single.. They usually have roomates or stay on base.. There are plently of jobs in SOMD - if you are a IT person - or work for the federal government.. I work in DC - and I commute on the keller bus.. I have no problems with the commute.. Also alot of people have retired from the military - so they have a retire paycheck - and they work for the government.. My mother doesn't have to work because of this.. And my parents have a big house - 4 cars - and they don't complain not one bit.. I am getting a new house built - and my options and everything will be $180 - so Im not complaining..

 

[cattitude]

Ken, Vrai and Christy:


DITTO!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[RoseRed]

Me too ~ me too!

I think that your life is what you make of it, not what people give you.

 

[mrs potts]

Hey - you guys are jumping on the wrong one here!  Luckily, I am able to afford a very nice home and I commute to DC!!  I am only speaking on behalf of the underdog.

I know teachers who have wanted to work in our counties but have to move out of the counties because it is impossible to find affordable housing.

ARe you saying those families who live in Gallery Place WANT to live there? Or Nanjemoy?

 

[vraiblonde]

Don't cry, Mrs. Potts.  It's just that we who are doing well for ourselves are tired of people trying to make us feel guilty for our success.  I came from nothing, as did Christy and several others in these forums.  Most of us made choices for ourselves that would enable us to get out of the poverty trap.  So it's hard to feel sorry for the "underdog" when we know that you <i>can</i> in fact make a life for yourself.

The military, for example, is thrilled to take underprivileged youths, teach them job skills, boost their self-esteem and put them on the path to success.  Happens every day.  Colleges have enormous funds set aside for kids in poverty so they can have the same chance at life that the rich kids have.

The problem with those "underdogs" is that they have no motivation or vision.  But this is America and the opportunities are definitely there.

 

[Ken King]

Mrs. Potts,

First off I don't think I did any jumping, yet.  When you said, "if you are in the military or a civilian working on base, you have a better chance of finding a job. "  Well actually, you already have a job, obtaining a new or different job means you should have certain qualifications to even expect consideration and you obtain those qualifications through self-improvement efforts (meaning no one else is going to do it for you).  Additionally, there are numerous other firms that are coming to the area and bringing jobs with them.  Not to mention all the companies supportive of the community, childcare, landscaping, construction, service companies, medical, and the list goes on.  We have more automobile dealerships in the area then at any time I can remember so besides sales you have service jobs for those with the technical skills.   The opportunities in this area have increased significantly over what they were when I left here in the early 70s to enter the military.   As far as education in the area we now have the College of Southern Maryland, still have St. Mary's College, the Higher Education Center, and there are numerous online programs that are fully accredited that one can use to broaden their horizons.  And finally, what underdogs are you talking about, those with out desire or drive to improve themselves?  If so, they won’t even get sympathy from me, you have to be willing to obtain what it is you seek and many aren’t willing.  They just want it handed to them on a platter and I am of the mind that they should work for it, as others and I have done.  Also I agree with PmoneyandTT that there are less expensive houses out there if you bother to look for them, not to mention a lot of repossessions that can be picked up for a song.

 

[mrs potts]

.  We have more automobile dealerships in the area then at any time I can remember so besides sales you have service jobs for those with the technical skills.  

All owned by the same person!  

 

[Ken King]

Mrs. Potts,

You said, "All owned by the same person! "  I doubt that as I know several of the owners and they are different people whether you believe it or not.

 

[Lilly]

I have to add my two cents here I can't help it!  
While I do agree that there is an affordable housing shortage in St. Mary's I don't think it is as bad as it has been made out to be.  There are plenty of low-cost options in the county if you aren't picky about where you live.  If you are - deal with it - get a better job - save your dough.  
I also am tired of the endless excuses of why it is my fault that someone else is less-off than me or that I should do something about it.  
You are right that your daughter shouldn't feel bad about living in a townhouse but if that is what you can afford here, don't expect much more outside of this county.  It is pretty much the same if not worse throughout MD.  Did anybody catch the story in the Sunday Washington Post about housing inflation in DC?  Statistics for St. Mary's indicate that a family need only a $40,000 income for decent housing.  It was higher than $100,000 for Alexandria and parts of the District!  Count yourself lucky!
I don't believe that a family who is working hard and genuinely trying to succeed cannot survive in St. Mary's even if they don't have formal educations.  

 

[mrs potts]

I agree that wealth should be handed over on a platter, but there are a lot of things that you aren't considering....

Things such as:
substance abuse
disabilities
abuse
mental illness
physical illness

Don't you think these things play a role in whether you are successful or not????

Besides - will it matter in the end?  We won't have any water left anyway!

 

[mrs potts]

Waldorf Ford, Leonardtown Ford, Indian Head Ford, Prince Frederick Ford - all owned by the same person.......

Isn't this monopoloy?

 

[Lilly]

Monopoly? NO!  Sounds like a successful business man to me!  I hate when people do that!  Who are we to tell someone who has created a successful business and is making money for themselves that they are too big - too successful?  He got himself there and there are plenty of other successful car dealerships so let him enjoy the profits he has worked for!

As far as the disabilities that you mentioned I have no sympathy for substance abusers.  They made the poor decisions to end up there - that is not my problem.  As far as mental and physical disabilities there are pleny of organizations around here that not only help these types of people find jobs but help them live (Ark).  If there family members aren't looking into the appropriate programs for them that is not my problem.
As far as abuse I do understand that people can be emotionally scarred - yadayadayada intefering with thier lives forever and always.  However, I do know several successful people who survived abusive childhoods, marriages etc. and instead used it as a catalyst to be the best that they could.  Again, no sympathy from me.
The job market in St. Mary's is booming.  Just look at the Employment section on this page . . there are new jobs every day!  With all they development there are plenty of openings for laborers and mechanical trades, with the myriad of government contractors there are plenty of opportunities for IT and Engineering fields (as well as clerical workers).  And there are enough other businesses to fit the people in between.

 

[vraiblonde]

First of all, thank you, Mrs. Potts, for giving us something to talk about on this rainy day!

Don't you think these things play a role in whether you are successful or not????

If you make life choices that include substance abuse, then you will have a reduced chance of success in life.  Unless you're a Hollywood celebrity.

As far as the others go, lots of people were abused as kids and went on to prosper.

For an example of physical disability, go have dinner at the Willows and say Hi to John, the owner, for me.  He's the guy rolling around in the wheelchair, paralyzed from the waist down as the result of a carjacking when he was younger.

Mental illness and physical illness are things that happen - and a large portion of our taxes go directly to those people to help them out.  They already receive housing/food/utility subsidies, courtesy of those of us making a decent wage - what more should we do?

Besides - will it matter in the end?  We won't have any water left anyway!

What makes you think that?

Isn't this monopoloy?

A monopoly is when a business uses coercion to prevent competition - so far all these Ford owners are doing is opening a new dealership.  If they were preventing other people from opening Ford dealerships in the area, <i>then</i> it would be a monopoly.  Most car manufacturers have licensing restrictions in regards to location, proximity to other Ford dealerships, etc.  But that's a corporate thing, not the fault of the dealership owner.  Besides, you can always buy a Chevy or Chrysler.