by “Blanche Belvidere”

In light of recent news developments we’ve seen on InsideLowell, I guess one could say that ol’ Blanche was right about everything.

If I may quote myself, “This pressure cooker is about to blow” – and it is. Either I’m wicked smart or psychic—or both. I’ve busted out the big jug of Carlo Rossi to enjoy watching this display of horseshit.

In case anyone missed it, the first tip-off was the sudden expansion of rental assistance programs. These programs are utilized as a diversion for families struggling with skyrocketing rents to help keep them in their homes and not become unhoused.  They can be very accommodating – however, many landlords won’t accept the payments. Waah waaaah…eviction.  Back to square one.  Good luck trying to convince owners of private properties what they can and can’t do with their rentals.

What came next was our baller Governor frantically asking various communities in the Commonwealth to give up unused buildings to the state to use for housing people.  Many, if not all, said no. Our baller Governor needs to grow a pair of balls and DO. THE. RIGHT. THING.  And what is that, you ask?  Take all the information I’ve already given you, and you decide.

Funny how the governor wasn’t entirely clear as to who would be housed in these buildings.  Current MA resident families? Undocumented migrants? Both? Perhaps it’s because the state is still trying to figure out how to fix the glorious mess of things they created a few years ago.

Let’s bring it back to the local level. ADU’s ain’t gonna help this crisis. Few city areas have enough space to build them unless you build UP. Secondly, it would cost at least $75,000 – $100,000.  I assume investors want to recoup their money as quickly as possible.  And that won’t happen, renting it out for $800-1000 bucks per month, especially if they know they can get $1200-1800.

Seriously,  I’m curious what is considered “affordable” in your minds?

You realize most of Lowell’s average median household income is below $60,000, don’t you? In addition, will these individuals that decide to build accept the rental assistance vouchers?

I ask this since so many are throwing around the “it’s creating affordable housing for our most vulnerable!”  I think that’s crap. Do your research—especially those currently in or running for office. I haven’t heard an answer to that question.  If you want to build one for your mother-in-law to watch your bratty kids and only charge her utilities, that’s cool.  Having peace and quiet is priceless, am I right? But that’s reserved for someone with the extra dough to spend.

And don’t get me started on the dog and pony show that was the Homelessness Summit last week. Yet another unproductive use of people’s time.

Yeah yeah, “housing first,”…we know. We’ve heard it. And our Dir. of Homeless Initiatives with her outdated and inaccurate data. She should work in the IT dept since she has 20 years’ computer experience. Maybe we could’ve avoided the cyber attack.

A highlight was Councilor Gitschier getting hot under the collar about ADUs. There’s some fire in that guy’s belly. I’ll get into who I think are antiheroes in another rant. At least there was coffee and pastries. Boring, boring, boring.

I’m gulping down 6 more Advil because I’ve had a headache for the past 5 days, and this jug o’wine is heavy.  Hold onto your cajones because I will be back sooner than later with another “Fine Whine,” and no one marked safe.