Leader seeks answers on housing

Councilwoman questions housing development

A Lorain city councilwoman said she wants answers about residents buying houses — or not — from a local property management company.

Ward 5 Councilwoman JoAnne Moon has scheduled a meeting at 7 p.m., Nov. 5 at Lorain City Hall at 200 W. Erie Ave. to discuss New Sunrise Properties homes

“Residents are concerned with the opportunity to purchase the homes in which they currently lease and have asked for a meeting to further discuss this issue,” Moon said.

On its website, New Sunrise Properties states the company focuses on housing for people with moderate to severe mental illness, and for families with low- to moderate-income.

The company manages 60 units that are part of New River Bend Homes in Elyria, and Southern Heights Apartments, a rental development with 63 units in the 1600 block of East 29th and 30th streets in South Lorain.

The issue has arisen with a development called Threshold Homes, which has 40 single-family ranch, two-story and split level homes around the Cityview neighborhood in Lorain.

That is near the intersection of East 39th Street and Clifton Avenue.

New Sunrise Properties Executive Director Michael Kearney did not respond to Morning Journal email and telephone messages seeking information.

At the meeting, “renters are being asked to express their intent on either purchasing the home they are leasing or their desire to continue renting,” Moon said. “Residents that have already purchased their homes, are being asked to share their experience of the purchase process, in addition to sharing their preference in having more homeowners or renters in the Cityview area,” she said.

Moon’s meeting notice included several questions and concerns about the situation.

• Why has t he pur c h a s - ing process taken six months to a year to finalize the sale?

• Is there a policy and procedure concerning New Sunrise Properties employees renting to family members?

• What was the base selling price for the 10 houses already sold?

• Why haven’t there

been any payments to the city from 10 homes already sold to repay a city loan for the project?

Moon requested the current waiting list and original renters’ applications to be presented.

When New Sunrise Properties went under new management, it appeared only one ethnic group has been moving into the homes.

Under the original management, the residents “were very culturally diverse,” Moon’s letter said.

The meeting must follow social distancing requirements due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Attendance will be limited to 25 people with face masks required and temperature checks at the door.

Moon