BANGOR, Maine — Theresa Fairbrother likes her apartment’s new kitchen cabinets and bathroom, but she wasn’t too happy with the process Bangor Housing Authority used to install them.
“The quality of work is fine. I never had a complaint about them updating the rooms,” said Fairbrother, who lives off Union Street at Autumn Park West, one of seven subsidized Bangor Housing Authority developments in Bangor. “The main reason I want to speak up is I felt I had no rights and got booted out of my place.”
Fairbrother notified the Bangor Daily News about her complaints through the BDN website’s “See It. Fix It.” service.
Tenants at the complex, which includes four buildings and 50 one-bedroom apartments, have been required by the housing authority to leave their apartments from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every weekday when renovation work is in progress in their apartments.
The work, which has taken five days for kitchens and five days for bathrooms, includes installation of new kitchen cabinetry, countertops, sinks, tile flooring, bathtubs, safety rails and fresh coats of paint. It started in February and should continue through late April or early May.
Mike Myatt, the housing authority’s executive director, said tenants were required to leave while work was being done for safety reasons.
Another resident who didn’t want to be identified said he spent the weekdays his apartment was being renovated at the Autumn West community center, which features a bathroom with a toilet and sink, an entertainment area, a refrigerator and a microwave, but no shower.
“It’s a nice place, but it’s just not a place where you want to hang out all day long,” said the resident.
“We definitely want to apologize for the inconvenience of having to ask someone to leave for the day, but there is a lot of work being done in a relatively small space,” said Myatt.
Myatt said the housing authority purposely renovated the kitchens and bathrooms separately so as not to force residents to relocate for an entire week or more.
“That would’ve been a huge disruption for those folks,” he said.
Fairbrother and one of her neighbors said it still was exactly that.
“I didn’t get to use my Internet and cable for the better part of a week, but I’m paying for it,” said Fairbrother. “What really got me was when I saw the holes near the floor and in the bathroom ceiling. My upstairs neighbor could look right down through to my bathtub.”
Fairbrother said the two rectangular openings in her bathroom wall and ceiling were left uncovered for two days and one night.
“I’ve been having panic attacks and anxiety attack through the roof since this happened,” said Fairbrother, who is 50 and has disabilities. “I know it sounds a little paranoid, but I’m a woman living alone and it scared me.”
Myatt said those openings never should have been left uncovered and that it was an oversight.
“I would say that’s exactly what it was,” he said. “I did talk to one of the foremen over there and they corrected it after a couple days.
“We treat all of our residents with the utmost respect and if they have a problem in that regard, we want to hear about it.”
Like the other residents of Autumn West, which offers lowered rent for elderly and disabled residents, Fairbrother pays a third of her income for rent.
“We account for 741 separate apartments, making us Bangor’s biggest landlord,” said Myatt. “We also administer Bangor’s Section 8 voucher program.”
The hole in the floor and ceiling is concerning. That’s a issue a worker could have fixed very easy, same as the internet. Why are they complaining to the BDN and not the contractor?
edit.
This picture as presented is a Fraud!
To anyone that’s done plumbing
will recognize that the picture was taken through the open wall between
the studs of the plumb wall, looking past the hot & cold supply
pipes for the tub/ shower valve, down through the NORMAL hole where the
tub drain and P-trap was and will be Again, when the New tub and shower
get installed over that space. Note the finished floor in the upper
right of the picture is the bathroom proper. The hole is under the tub,
only about 8″ across and Not in a walking floor surface.
“Journalistic” spin.
you’ve obviously never done plumbing, or renovations of any type. I’m surprised you have time to anything at all besides making negative trolling posts on these forums
These renovations were also made in the complex I live in. While I love the new kitchen, my issue with these new kitchens and bathrooms is the money it cost to do the renovations. I’ve had things in my apartment that have desperately needed fixing for years (very drafty doors and windows mainly) but have been told “we don’t have the money to fix things like that”. Heat is included in my rent, and if any tenant goes over the allotted amount of fuel, we have to pay the extra. I wouldn’t mind that if I didn’t have to vacate my living room every time the wind blows because an actual breeze can be felt coming in through the windows in the living room because the insulation has deteriorated so bad. I would have GLADLY gone without the new kitchen, bathroom and laundry room I got in exchange for a warmer, safer apartment. The renovations they have made were cosmetic, and not necessary. But many of us have to blow through our fuel very quickly because much needed renovations can’t be done because there is no budget for it? Please tell me how that makes any sense. And no, we can’t complain to Housing. I tried and always get told “Sorry, blah blah, no money to fix that, blah blah”. Ask questions before you judge and accuse.
They are cookie cutter renovations . That way they can be bit for a certain amount. Yes not all things make sense in all apartments but it is what it is.
There is shrink plastic for your windows that don’t cost much, it’ll help with the wind.
We are not ALLOWED to put up shrink wrap or block the windows in any way.
Who’s going to tell? I mean with all the other crud going on in the state what could they possibly do to you? If they did try anything, that would be the time to make a public issue of it.
Its called inspections. If I am found to be in any violation of my lease, I can be evicted. Even by simply putting up weather stripping or any other alterations in order to cut back on the drafts. You think you know everything about how I live, but you don’t. Housing was sued by three other tenants when those tenants were billed for the over usage of their allotted fuel. Part of what helped the tenants to win the case was easily proving that they went over their allotted fuel amount because of how drafty these apartments are. Yet, despite losing that case, do you think the housing authority stepped up and did anything to cut back on the drafty doors and windows? Nope, they didn’t do a damn thing. But hey, we all got new kitchen cabinets…
You are right, I don’t know how you have to live and I am sorry that you are in that position. I know I could not live with inspections at this point in my life. I don’t judge you. I am just saying, there must be another way, picket their offices, and your representitives offices. Just because you’re where you are doesn’t make you less of a person. Organize! It’s an election year. You’re not asking for money, you’re asking for basic decent housing.
they dont inspect in the winter, so put the shrink wrap up and take it down, you break plenty of other rules whats one more it only sticks on with adhesive and a hair dryer
Don’t know who told you that but yes they do. Inspections are year-round. And no, I don’t “break many other rules”. Apparently you are another one of those people that like to assume things about those that aren’t like you.
Could you stick velcro on the glass?
You simply cannot demand a contracted tenant or homeowner to vacate their apartment or home at all, even for “safety reasons” (if unless there is a danger of explosions or dangers of toxic gasses, etc). The homeowner has a total right of residence at all times for his or her security of items stored in that home. Where has the Bangor Housing Authority got their contracts and authority sourced from? I think the BHA ought to review their authority levels here, no matter if they actually are the primary owner of that property. Even if a tenant in an apartment building (same thing) is contracted by an owner of that building, they cannot evict for any period of time, a tenant for any reason unless there are particular dangers to the safety and health (as I mentioned above) of that tenant.
But, in order to bring the buildings up to federal code levels (because the City of Bangor is most likely receiving Federal funding for these and other subsidized housing projects), the tenants ought to be very fortunate. Some who own their own homes in this day and age cannot even afford to buy a new waste basket for their kitchens in view of the cost of fuel and other consumer products going into outer space!!
I bet they could have covered that hole in 10 minutes time. I wish Someone would help me fix my house. I would not complain a bit . maybe have a hot pot of coffie ready for the guys with a note help yourself.
It’s so nice to see poor people being lambasted again in the comments.
“You’re poor and you’re getting subsidized housing, so shut up!” — that’s essentially what it boils down to.
I bet when the critics renovate their home, they don’t have to actually have to leave for nine hours a day, each day, for a week. That’s a severe disruption for some people, especially those on disability or those with children.
I live in these apartments, and on behalf of the retired soldiers, disabled veterans & the elderly, I’d like to thank you for your nice comment. I don’t think anyone here has any children living with them, but, grandchildren & great-grandchildren do come to visit. Thanks again for the thoughtful comment.
yes, it’s really a severe disruption for the woman downstairs from me. She is close to 80, deaf, and can’t get around well. She did stay in the rec area for one day, but was so drained from that, she HAD to stay home the rest of the time, and the workers DID work around her. So the others could have stayed home as well I think. My apartment only needed to have the upper cabinets replaced, and I stayed right here while they did it. No way in hell was I going to leave. I have a lot of stuff that’s important to me, and I think the others felt the same way. Here’s hoping that when they get to the next buildings they’ll change their minds about making people leave. They’re not working on the bedrooms at all, we could have all stayed in there & read a book or something.
Most landlords renovate at tmes when an appartment is vacant ,in between tenants. I don’t understand why these seemingly cosmetic renovations had to take place in occupied appartments.
because your tax dollars paid for it and they only had so much time to get it done.
a lot of the people here are over 70, even 80. So I’m sure THEIR tax dollars paid for it, so you won’t have to lose any sleep over it at all.
Because the waiting list for Bangor Housing is virtually closed, no apartments will EVER be vacant. These are lifetime tenants.
I do not mind helping the lower income people; however, why are we doing cosmetic renovations.
They have to keep up with safety standards. If they were not kept up to date and up to standards the tenants would have something else to complain about.
The only thing this tenant has a complaint about is how ignorant and uninformed your post is. Get a clue & realize that this is elderly & disabled housing. You will be one or both in the future, so think about that.
Are you on the maintenance team that’s working here in the apartments? If so, thanks. If not, you didn’t help. The people that live here have already paid in the taxes that they live on, and that includes periodic upgrades to our apartments. And what’s this “WE” thing about with the cosmetic renovations observation? You didn’t do anything. Your taxes are paying for your future as an elderly person, not ours. And your taxes do not pay for the disabled. I’ve already paid in what I’m getting for a check when I worked. That’s what you’ll get too, if you become disabled. Tubs, sinks, counter-tops & cupboards are not cosmetic by the way. Neither are the new safety features that help the elderly get around in the bathroom easier. I believe you need to re-think your “better than us” attitude. Because you are going to be elderly someday, and you will need help. And I hope you get treated better then most posters here are treating the ones that live in these apartments.
Guess what Bill, I’m waiting for the third for my disability check too! I’m have no problem with safety or maintenance, however if you like it or not, I just don’t think this is the time to be doing cosmetic work on a public building. Does the tub hold water?? Does the sink leak?? What is wrong with the counter top?? Is it ugly??? I have no better than attitude. I just don’t think it is a good time paint and wallpapper with the tax dollars I paid over the last 40 yrs. What do you think of those apples Billy.
Would you want to rent an apartment that looked like it came right out of the 1970’s? I’m guessing probably not. Plus, it’s embarrassing to live in a location that is outdated.
plenty of tenants in bangor live in apt’s that came out of the 1800’s
What a materialistic person you sound like. The question is whose dollars are you basing your embarrassment on?
My kitchen is straight out of the 1940’s and that includes applicances. Doesn’t bother me at all, I’m glad to have it. I’m glad the previous owners took such good care of everything that they all still work. Would we like all nice and new? Sure, maybe designed to be more efficent in usability ? Sure but we can’t afford it.
I will not complain, about the handicapped or the elderly getting help and some of their tax dollars back, respectively. But anyone who whines about their place being outdated is just a spoiled brat and needs to be brought down a peg. So here it is PEG DOWN or pay for it yourself.
you my want to rethink that one your taxx dollars are paying for it so it is costin someone something?????
I can’t even tell if this is a positive or negative comment, your spelling & grammar is so bad. I live in these apartments, and your tax dollars do not pay for my rent, my tax dollars do, from when I worked all those years to be able to afford to live here. Yes it’s discounted rent, but we do not plan to become disabled in our lifetimes. People do not seem to realize that all walks of life live in these apartments. The very elderly, the disabled, and we do the best we can. We aren’t asking for hand outs. We’re people who, just like you have had our ups and downs, and we’ve done a lot for community, state & country. No one has the perfect life. I feel bad for those who put down the elderly & disabled, because someday it will be those same people seeing these types of hurtful comments.
Complaining about not being able to use her cable and internet shot her credibility out of the water. Like it or not, there is a stigma about people that live there. I’m sure you have a very valid point, and some can’t control their living situation. The unfortunate part is some could have had some control over their situation at some point in their life, and some still do, but choose not to. There are a few who live in this situation that will make an honest attempt at furthering their situation,,,,god on them. Broad based statements can be harsh, no doubt, and inaccurate in some instances, accurate in others. Either way, like I stated, there is a stigma out there like it or not.
The problem is a lot of the people here are elderly folks who deserve no such reputation. Because unlike a disability (which is my reason for living here), we are ALL going to be among the elderly later on in life unless something tragic happens. This is the sad truth. The richest look down on the rich, who look down on the middle class who look down on the disabled & elderly. That’s just the way life will always be. But the saddest thing is that people will come here and post their drivel and ignorance without once thinking that they could & will be cast in the same situation someday, and then people will be looking down upon them.
just so you know a good land lord would pay for a place for them to stay or let them stay there ???
I work 2 jobs and are paying full price for everything I have. I would love to have an upgraded kitchen for the “inconvenience” of having to leave. I leave most every day for over 12 hours to support myself and those who cannot/will not work. When they are ready for some one who will not complain and will be very appreciative of a FREE upgrade, please call me!!! People should be grateful that they are getting all of their lives taken care of. Perhaps they could be out volunteering or helping someone else out while their living conditions are being taken care of with our tax dollars!!!
The elderly people take care of themselves here thank you very much, with the tax dollars that they already paid in for many years. Don’t worry your pretty little head, because what comes out of your paycheck is going for when you get old, and people think you are useless. Grow some respect for the elderly and disabled. You’ll be one or both someday, guaranteed.
When I went on SSDI 5 years ago, I was very embarrassed, even after the Judge told me not to be because it was ins. that I’d paid into for 31 years. But I have an $1140.00 mortgage. I pay for it with that SSDI. The other tax money I paid in over those 31 years went towards the everyday expenses of living those 31 years: Defense, roads, schools, etc,etc. Only the SS taxes I paid into went toward my eventual old age or disability. There is no entitlement program I paid into for 2/3 of my housing costs, so I can’t automatically demand or expect it.
I pay my own bills, thank you, including my mortgage and a $25,000.00 assessment put on people in my 216 unit condo building (per unit) to replace heating pipes. It had to be paid for in two years. It took 5 months of the living room walls being torn out with workers coming in at will to complete it. I wish there was a program to overhaul my bathroom for free, but I’m not demanding or expecting it. I went to Home Depot and bought/installed my own assist bars (with a friend helping). All on only my SSDI income. My parents lived comfortably on SS only because the kids made sure they were taken care of (the way things always used to be done) and their modest home had been paid off for years. Sure, they got meals on wheels and visiting nurse type things. But that’s about it.
I’m also curious why you seem to be the only one allowed to comment here. Flagging everybody that you disagree with are you?
I’m not doing the flagging. Maybe someone else is doing it who is tired of seeing these posts that are disrespectful toward the elderly and disabled. There are differing opinions, and then there are just hateful and hurtful posts by people who have no idea of what they are talking about. As far as your post goes, I can agree with what you are saying, and what you had to go through. You must also realize that everyone’s situation is a bit different than yours, or even mine. It’s good to see a comment here that has a different point of view, without disrespecting the elderly or disabled. I believe if there were more people like yourself who at least can see both points of view in a rational way, there would be less hatred in these posts.
Thanx. I have no idea what had been said so I can only guess.
I personally don’t begrudge any one getting needed assistance, but in this article the one interviewed is complaining about what many would consider a minor inconvenience (in the greater scheme of things) to have the two most expensive rooms in their home remodeled for free. There’s a lot of understandable frustration boiling out there. :)
It’s only understandable if the people outside the situation don’t educate themselves. I said in another comment that the woman who lives below me is in her 80’s and deaf. She has a very hard time moving around. Yet, she was still made to go to the community center for one day. The next day, she was so exhausted and sick from the day before that she absolutely could not move, and the workers managed to work around her. I felt awful for her, as this should have been done in the first place. She, and many others like her here could easily have gone into their bedrooms for the day and read or watched TV without hindering the work going on in the slightest. Not everyone here has a place to go when such work is going on. I think people have lost sight of the original article. There were others that didn’t like how they were treated, but chose not to be named, and after this fiasco, I cannot blame them one bit. The point that less than one percent will realize is to educate themselves as much as they can about a situation before commenting about it. These same people who have made these hurtful and misinformed comments are the same ones that supposedly do not trust the news media. Yet, here they are, picking every one of us apart as useless scum, because they read into that article whatever they want without thinking first. If that’s not the media leading you by the nose and thinking for you, I don’t know what is.
well said quiltingbabe i as well work two jobs and would love an upgrade to my house.not all that live there are bad i am sure but how many have been playing the system most of there lives?many i would bet.as for mr.wolford i am thankfull for you’re service to this fine country of ours,however by flagging those you do not agree with you are in fact taking away one of the very things you served to protect freedom of speech.
I could not agree more with your statement. You give people affordable housing..not good enough. You try to fix up said affordable housing….not good enough. When will the madness stop. People should be appreciative of what they have and realize how much worse it really could be. I would be thrilled if someone would come fix my house for nothing and all I had to do was leave during normal work hours. Leave it to people getting housing for next to nothing to complain when the housing association tries to fix up the place. On the other hand if they didn’t do the renovations we would be reading about how horrible this place is and that it needs to be fixed. If I was in charge of this association I would try my hardest to kick the complainers out and give the housing to someone who would truly appreciate what they have. STOP COMPLAINING WHEN YOU ARE GETTING HANDOUTS!!!!!
like you have any idea what is going on. Have some compassion, and unless you live here, like I do, keep your opinion to yourself, or word it kindly. These are real people not some internet ghosts that you’ll never run into you know.
:)
This article really bothers me. I’m appalled that someone would complain to BDN about something that they should have just contacted Bangor Housing Authority over. I’m also bothered that BDN thought it was a worthwhile story to share. I am a single mom of two living in subsidized housing and am very grateful for it. If they came in today to renovate my apartment I would be thankful. Would it inconvenience me, yes, but that’s what renovations do. It’s worth it when you know things are getting fixed! I continue to work and am going to go back to school in the fall so as to make this my temporary home until I’m on my feet. I understand that others are disabled and unable to do the same and that is what this benefit was for. I agree with a lot of these comments though, start showing some appreciation for what you’ve been given. There’s really no story here and all it did is add fuel to the typecasting most do on here when it comes to low income benefits.
Bangor housing was contacted. The people are grateful for the renovations. Try telling an 80 year old deaf woman that she needs to be out of her house 8 hours a day for a week, actually 2 weeks total 1 each for the bathroom & kitchen, when she has a hard time being mobile, and nowhere to go. These workers ended up working around this woman, and they could have worked around every tenant. Nothing at all was being done to the bedroom, or the living room. Tenants could have just set up camp in either of those rooms not being worked on.
leaving a gaping hole in your bathroom ceiling is an oversight? that took two days to repair.
i worked construction 30 yrs you don’t leave someones house in that shape no matter if thier on assisted living or paying 1000$ a month
It would of been a good opportunity to spend some quality time at the Library to enhance the brain. Oh, the entitlements when will they increase so I could of spent some time at The Hilton and cabbed it around town. Maybe even grabbed a couple at The Tavern or Judy’s.
…..
In reality, I also have a mortgage and would not mind being treated like this at all. I would love to have someone re-do our kitchen and bathroom at no cost (well other than the taxes we already pay). I would gladly find something to do for 8 hours whether it be my job, hangin’ at the library or just sitting out on the sidewalk reading and watching traffic.
….
I understand that you would be upset and that is fine with me. What I was disagreeing with you on was your statement of “no one would want to be treated like this…” And I am quite sure that I am not the only one who feels this way.
My job includes construction management. A little over half of my projects have people living in the home. I understand that it is stressful on people. I read somewhere that home rehabs are outnumbered only by death as the most stressful situations people find themselves in. I work hard to ease the minds of those stressed out by the on going projects. Some of my projects include the displacement of people while the work is going on. I have never had any complaints about the displacement.
….
thank you for this reply. It’s good to know that some of us have some compassion for those less fortunate.
….
how many of those people were disabled over 80 and needed a daily nurse to help them maintain a semblance of a normal daily life?
this renovation was paid for with taxes that the elderly here paid in many moons ago. Don’t worry that these needed renovations are coming out of your pocket. They’re not. And you still have no grasp of the situation that we have some 80+ year old people living here that can’t just go out at the drop of a hat and hang out watching traffic.
The women complained on a public forum so what did you expect? These complaints should have been directed to the housing authority or to the actual crews working there. I’m sure the hole in the floor was a oversight of the workers.
….
I live in these apartments, and on behalf of everyone here, I’d like to thank you for your thoughtful post. Most of the people here are in their 80’s or 90’s & there are some retired veterans & some people with disabilities that unfortunately have changed their lives forever. Thanks for being kind, and I wish more people would share your point of view.
….
Just curious as to how they (the tenants) would like the renovations handled. It seems that there would be some inconvenience involved no matter what.
Any fool of a contractor should know better than to leave an opening like this from one apartment unit to another.
This story is as one-sided as it could possibly be. We have several tennats out of many more, and one picture of a hole. Where are the perfectly satisfied folks and the pictures of the brand new kitchens and bathrooms.?All the news has done is pit these tennants against people trying to make their lives better.
…and a profit!
I wouldn’t want somone working there who wasn’t smart enough to make some money doing the renovations would you? You get what you pay for. This story is rubbish. I hope the news goes back when the work is complete.
my point exactly, what are you trolling for?
I have a job which I’m at for 40 hours a week, plus driving to and from when I’m at my JOB WORKING I don’t get to watch my tv or my internet that I pay for!!!!!!!
Bangor has nice places to go …what about the Bangor Public Library? Could have gone to the Mall and walked around…..all spots that the BAT goes. Here they are not working, yes maybe they have medical reasons for not working, but they are complaining and they are getting FREE new kitchens and bathrooms…..something is wrong with this picture! Hello Maine and American were the unemployed get more than the actual working low-middle class!
edit.
This ceiling hole was stupid to leave open. Four screws and four minutes gets a rough patch for the night. My thoughts are that since the occupants were asked to leave during the time that the crew was working; the crew ‘members’ forgot people actually lived there at all.
Not everyone works during the day. Not everyone is able to work. Did you ever consider those possibilities?
Ya, I did. But then I figured if that was the case, the reporter would’ve included it into the story using it to emphasize Fairbrother’s inconvenience.
there are 50 people living here. Not everyone has the same schedule, just like in “your little World”. And The Newspaper did not interview all 50 different people that live here now, did they?
What good is the housing if they can’t actually live in the housing? Relatives of mine recently had a half-bath installed. They didn’t need to leave the house. I’ve had relatives redo their kitchen. They didn’t need to leave the house. How difficult would it have been for the workers in this case to put up protective plastic? Or are the workers so messy that dust and debris are circulating throughout the other rooms of the apartments?
unless you live here, like I do, you won’t understand
like those above, you have no idea of what you’re talking about unless you live here like I do. Have some compassion for others, and if you can’t express yourself without putting others down that are your neighbors, keep it to yourself.
we are grateful for what we have, because I live here too. The time that was given to be out of the house was not an adequate notice in my opinion. And we all have opinions don’t we. Theresa just happened to have her opinion printed in the newspaper. Callous and cruel replies to her opinion without spending a day in her shoes is both childish and uncalled for. Everyone in the country has something that is not quite right in their lives, and would like to share their opinion about it. How would you feel about negative & cruel comments about you not being able to afford cable or internet? Work more, get better paying jobs, stop whining because there are people worse off than you, etc. Doesn’t feel good, does it? Show compassion for others.
what is really sad is your comment. Typing without thinking that you could be in her shoes someday. Everyone who wanted to did complain to housing first. I live here myself, so I know all about what is going on. All of the negative posters here do not live here. I’m not saying you can’t post a comment, but how about using a little compassion, because someday, you’ll be in elderly, disabled housing, or a nursing home. No one likes to think about it, but that’s the truth, so lighten up on everyone.
It IS a luxury for many of the elderly people who live here. The TV & computer is a small substitute for the loneliness many of these people have.
And each one of them deserves it.
Most of the people that live here have already worked and sacrificed more than you will in your entire life.
I hope you hear things like this when you’re in your elderly years, and the punks have no respect for you.
you have no clue of what you are talking about, yet you keep on posting like someone will read it and become enlightened. Unless you live here you CANNOT know what some of the tenants have gone thru to be out of their apartments for the renovations. I welcome you to come over and meet my neighbors. Maybe we can get this together and have a big get together with the heads of housing, the newspaper and the people here, and the ignorant people out there. Then we can get some truth out there instead of people like yourself thinking that the people that live here are just moneysuckers that want to bleed you dry until you are homeless. Respect the elderly and disabled because you WILL be one or both someday, Guaranteed.
we’re not getting “Your Charity”. This is being payed for with taxes we’ve already paid in ourselves thank you. You work for your future, and yet, most of the elderly people who live in this place you’re complaining about have already done most of the work for you. Respect the elderly and gain some smarts about the situation before you go posting things that are untrue.
edit
Yes, an amazing luxury for those of us who live here that are in our
80’s or 90’s, or are disabled due to bad luck, serving our country, or
other unfortunate accidents to be able to carry on with life with some
sort of normalcy. I’ve never seen so many hateful, hurtful comments from
people who are so uneducated about elderly & disabled housing
projects.
Thank you for your service, sir!
And true enough, I may end up in a similar situation, but you won’t find me pissingandmoaning about the “unbearable” conditions.
I was in the service (U.S.Army) and learned to tough it out no mater what.
Now come on, your housing is no worse than the “worst” Airforce officers barracks.
Really.
no one ever said it was bad housing at all. You miss the point. And as far as complaining about something that may be 20-40 years in the future, you have no idea now how you will react in the future at all. Really.
Irresponsible piece of journalism. Andrew Neff should be ashamed. All this article does is allow for ridicule of those living is such conditions. The BDN should delete this entire fiasco…….
Fairbrother notified the Bangor Daily News about her complaints through the BDN website’s “See It. Fix It.” service.
Again BDN this is NOT YOUR service, you do great at numerous typos and publishing ads that should raise red flags and you still don’t blink when you take credit for a service you do not own.
Dear BDN…I really wish you would disable comments when it comes to welfare articles. There are too many people who make ignorant and assuming comments based on a minority of those believed to be abusing the welfare system, that articles keep being written about…. Sincerely, Not in that Minority.
AMEN! I’m not religious so to speak, just so happy that someone here finally said what you did. Thanks.
Are you absolutely certain that you will never become disabled or elderly, like many of the people living in those apartments?
Even if the answer is “yes,” you should not slam them without having a clue about their individual circumstances.
very true
What about those who work the night shift and sleep during the day? That would also be considered a major inconvenience if those hours are usually when the individual is sleeping. If you don’t know the tenants and their individual circumstances, why assume that everyone who lives in section 8 housing does the same thing every day? Are you going to force the elderly (who might not have relatives or somewhere else to go) out during “normal working hours and only give them a few days notice?
:)
Can you say thank you?
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Your original post got the reply I felt it deserved. And no one knows what anyone else has been through, and that’s why I’m saddened by so many posts here where the uninformed talk down to the elderly and the disabled. You have the right that feeling someone going to the news about this was going overboard, just as much as she had the right to complain about what she felt was unfair. These are rights that we all have, and though some may disagree about the complaining, someday there might be a complaint that you might make that others feel was foolish, or uncalled for. It’s all in the situation at hand, and I’m glad that we all have the rights to voice our opinions. I just wish some people would be less hurtful when they post theirs. And attitudes tend to get frayed when you live in the apartment complex being reported about, like I do, and dozens of people come along and post about how the people that live here are second-class citizens and we should be grateful for all they have given us. Misinformation, and bad labellings are what the majority of people believe. There should be a sensitivity class for some of these posters. And the others here have been disrespectful toward the poor, disabled & elderly. I just happen to be one that stands up for what I believe is right. The article never mentioned what type of housing this was. The posters just assumed that it was for lazy, money grubbing individuals who are a threat to their way of life. Again, not true. Everyone I know is grateful for the new things they are getting. Not everyone is grateful for the way it is getting done. It’s their right to have and voice that opinion as loud as they choose.