04/16/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

e Wickes Bea1, 712 East 16th Avenue, Commission on the Rights of Aging, (full written testimony distributed) presented comments from the residents of the Eugene Manor and Lane Towers (52 messages presented to council to read). The Commission on the Rights of Aging supports the work of the task force. They would like life tenancy for allover 65, noting that it is the law in New York State and other localities. They would like a tight definition of "equiva1ent housing" to include location and the special needs of the handicapped and frail tenants. Recognizing that life tenancy might not be politically possible, they would support proposals to protect persons in case of hardship and with special housing needs in a scarce rental market. Frank Nearin , 1900 East 25th Avenue, Chairman of the Commission on the Rights of Aging, full written testimony distributed commended the task force. He suggested they add to the definition of "equiva1ent housing" these characteristics: "Housing that is decent, safe, and sanitary which is equivalent in terms of size and the number of rooms which is located in the same area of the City; which has equivalent common facilities including but not limited to elevators, security, and limited rooms; which has equivalent access to employment, community, commercial faci1ites, schools, medical services, and transportation; which is equivalent in special features for the handicapped and elderly, and which is immediately available for rent at a rental price not more than $50 per month, greater than the total converted rental unit." The Commission on the Rights of Aging asks for clarity as to eviction other than just the statement "eviction for cause." Mr. Nearing asked for controls of ongoing rent increases. He felt any increases in rent should not go above the price reflected in the consumer price index. e 26th Avenue, Commission on the Rights of testimony distributed suggested the notice to vacate be 12 months. During the notice time, eviction could only be for cause or rental increase could not exceed the percentage increase of the Portland Consumer Price Index. The notice to vacate should not be applicable unless comparable housing is available. In the case of moving trauma, the above notice to evict would not be applicable for any tenant as long as the tenant's doctor certifies that the anticipated move would be traumatic for the tenant. The stipulations on eviction and rental increase would still apply. William A. Babcock, 3580 Bardell, Chairman, Citizens Advisory Committee on Aging to Lane Council of Governments, said they support a policy that would give six months notice and would require that assistance be rendered to find comparable housing and the developer would pay for the majority of the moving expenses to those who are displaced. If life tenancy was not possible, they would urge measures to protect seniors from having to move from place to place. e 4/16/80--9