DEAR EDITOR:
The article titled ''Senior status'' on the front page recently quotes false statements made by (Warren councilwoman) Helen Rucker.
The article speaks of the need for senior housing in our area and whether or not to take advantage of an age waiver allowing a particular developer to rent to those age 55 or older instead of the age 62 requirement. Pointing to a reason not to do this, Rucker falsely claims that Tods Crossing decision to lower the age requirement to age 55 has, in her words, "devastated the peace in the area.'' She goes on to insult our residents when she states "more subsidized renters moved in creating a situation that has been uncomfortable to original residents."
Tods Crossing is a tax credit property renting to those age 55 or older with low to moderate income. We provide a valuable service to the City of Warren and most importantly to our senior population by providing high-quality, affordable housing. To suggest that our residents, all with low income, some with housing vouchers, are the cause for ''devastating the peace'' on the southwest side of Warren is appalling.
Ms. Rucker would do herself and the citizens that elected her a favor by learning a few facts about affordable housing, market-rate units and the Federal Fair Housing Laws before speaking. If a senior has custody of a minor child, no apartment community can deny housing. It's against the law.
We have an income limit as a tax credit property. A single occupant, for example, cannot earn more than $19,050 gross per year. We turn many folks away because they're over qualified to take advantage of our discounted rents. Unfortunately, there are no senior housing communities in Warren that I can refer these people to.
If a developer wants to come to Warren and invest in market-rate senior housing, then creating a non-issue, such as dropping the age from 62 to 55, is a very silly argument. We have a need for this in our city and it creates jobs.
Many of the residents here at Tods between the ages of 55 and 60 are victims of job loss. These are people who had good paying jobs and were downsized. They're back to work now, but terribly underemployed. This age group was hit hard these past few years. Our affordable discounted rents are a blessing to this age group.
Tods Crossing is known for its quiet, peaceful atmosphere. We are a positive force within the city of Warren serving a population that deserves quality, affordable housing. We should be held up as an example of the right way to do things, not held up in such a negative and false manner.
We love and respect our senior residents here. We will be waiting for a sincere apology for the insults that Helen Rucker levied against our seniors.
Barbara Mascio
Property Manager
Warren