Committee Report CR-2

The purpose of the hearing was to discuss whether there are measures the City and local housing agencies and advocates can take to assist the soon to be displaced tenants of 295 Harvard Street.

Present at the hearing were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Marc McGovern, Councillor Dennis Carlone, Councillor Nadeem Mazen, Councillor Craig Kelley, Vice Mayor Dennis Benzan, Lisa Peterson, Assistant City Manager, Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services, Michelle McCarthy, Planner/Contract Manager, Department of Human Services Programs, Iram Farooq, Acting Assistant City Manager, Cassie Arnaud, Housing Project Planner, Linda Proznitz, Housing Project Planner, Community Development Department, Lee Gianetti, Director of Communications and Community Relations, Mike Connolly, Aide to Councillor Carlone, Neal Alpert, Aide to Councillor Simmons, and Paula M. Crane, Deputy City Clerk.

Also present were Mike Johnston, Deputy Executive Director, Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA), Elaine DeRosa, Cheryl-Ann Pizza-Zeoli, Alliance of Cambridge Tenants (ACT), Bozeira Antoiru, Ferreira Todd, Jan Devereux, Khushi Chandiramani, Leah Ewing, W.J. Rhone, Leah Strauss, Nancy Ryan, Julianna Braun, Kathy Watkins, Jerome K. Saunders, Tom Pastor, David Abruzzere, Jean Hannon, Michael McIntosh, Ti-Grace Atkinson, Ellen Shachter, Hasson Rashid, Chava Hassan, Denise Ghartey, Bae Wang, Gregory Grays-Thomas and Mary Platt.

Councillor Simmons convened the hearing and read an opening statement (Attachment A) and gave a brief overview of the agenda for the meeting.  (Attachment B)

Jan Devereaux, 255 Lakeview Avenue, stated that she would like to lend her support to the tenants of Harvard Street.  She stated her hope that this will spur the committee to look seriously at policies via Home Rule legislation to add tenant protections.  She asked if there could potentially be a general fund established by the City to aid people in need of assistance with moving expenses.

Khushi Chandiramani, 295 Harvard Street, read from a prepared statement.  (Attachment C).  He stated that he is 77 years old and has been retired since 2011.  He said that he has spent 55 of his 77 years in Cambridge and the last 48 years has been as a tenant at Harvard Towers.  He stated that he likes living at Harvard Towers because of the convenient location, quiet neighbors, pleasant neighborhood and reasonable rent.  He stated that he planned on staying for as long as his health permits.  He stated that he has a long history of illness and because of his vitiligo he is very sensitive to direct sunlight and mainly stays indoors during daylight hours.  He noted that the prospect of the quick and sudden relocation, coupled with family-related commitments to travel out of town for a good part of June, has subjected him to a great deal of stress.  He stated that he is currently involved in securing a rental place in the neighborhood at a much higher rent.  He wondered whether, in light of his long stay as a tenant at Harvard Towers, it would be too much to expect some extra consideration from the property management in the form of a few months' rent. He stated that he would appreciate access to assistance in ensuring affordable housing so that he can continue to live in Cambridge.

WJ Rhone stated that she is a resident of the Harvard Towers and she has found a place in Cambridge. She noted that her move date is August 1

.  She stated that she scurried to find a place to live and she does not think that it is fair that she has to pay rent at 295 Harvard Street for August when she will be moving August 1

Leah Strauss stated that she has lived at Harvard Towers for ten years.  She explained that one year ago there was a steep rent increase.  She noted that her rent was increased by $350.00.  She stated that she had to scramble to find a new place that is suitable, and she had to pull together funds for first and last months' rent, security deposit, and realtor fee.  She added that this is thousands of dollars that have piled up that she was not planning to spend.  She stated that she is going to leave a month before her lease ends and would like to receive her security deposit back.

Julianna Braun stated that she has questions about the City of Cambridge's affordable housing programs, as she is in a situation due to a restraining order against her roommate and that, due to this situation, she needs to move out of her apartment. She noted that she qualifies for emergency status but she would like information about income eligibility requirements as it appears that she does not qualify. She stated that she has lived in Cambridge for seven years and would like more information to how best to utilize the services Cambridge offers.

Kathy Watkins, 80 Fawcett Street, spoke in support of residents at the Harvard Towers.  She stated that she sees many buildings around the city that are being rehabbed and wonders what happens to the residents of these developments.  She stated that she would like to see a committee to see if Cambridge could pass municipal rights to tenants.  She stated that she is an advocate for the City to use some of its own money, beyond and separate from CPA funds, to build affordable housing.  She stated that there is also the need to look at the quality of the housing that is being built.  She stated that shortcuts are being undertaken that make some units inhabitable.

Jerome Saunders, resident of Harvard Towers, stated that he would like to update the committee.  He stated that the tenants received a communication from Mr. Slomiak, who is the Property Manager at Harvard Towers.  He noted that he also received a phone call from Mr. Slomiak and he confirmed to Mr. Slomiak that he spoke before the City Council.  He stated that Mr. Slomiak asked him what he was looking for.  Mr. Saunders stated that he told Mr. Slomiak that it is about being humane, and at the very least Mr. Slomiak should guarantee that deposits are given back and that he should give the last month of rent free of charge.  He stated that at the very least, the owner could coordinate with moving companies in the area to help tenants receive a discount.  He stated that there is plenty of space for tenants to be able to leave their unwanted items for disposal, but that the building management is so far not allowing this to take place.  He asked that the residents not be interrupted by walkthroughs and renovations until they leave, and he added that the elevator is filthy.

David Abruzzere stated that he has been tenant at Harvard Towers for close to 10 years.  He feels that the tenants are being treated unacceptably. He stated his agreement with the suggestions of Mr. Saunders.  He stated that he has to leave early to move into his new unit on August 1

.  He added that it is preposterous to be forced to pay the final month's rent.  He would like that the committee ask the landlord to excuse people from paying their full lease, at the very least.

Michael McIntosh stated that he lives at 33 Harding Street. He thanked the committee for convening the hearing and giving residents a chance to share their concerns. He stated that he has been a resident for 30 years. He stated that Cambridge has always been a place for everyone, both the affluent and those who are not as well off. He stated that he does not want to live anywhere but Cambridge. He stated that he has been in his apartment for 15 years, which is the longest he has lived anywhere. He noted that he is a working artist who has a weekly television program and is a parishioner and reader of St. Anthony's parish. He said that it has been important for him to be part of this community. He stated that on June 15

three buildings totaling 13 units were sold to a luxury apartment developer. He stated that there were two days' warning before the buildings had their first walkthrough by the new owners. He stated that he pays $900.00 per month and noted that the landlord asked him to propose a new rent.  He stated that the larger complaint is what is happening to his neighborhood.  He stated that he loves public transportation, but the expansion of our mass transit system seems to be bringing a lot of changes to Cambridge neighborhoods.  He questioned how much longer festivals and cultural parades will continue, as those who hold these events are getting pushed out of the city. He stated that he is troubled mostly by the fact that it is legal for buyers to come into the City and conduct this type of activity.  He commented that it is wrong to bust the community that has been so tightly knit. He asked what the City can do to help the tenants. He stated that he would like tenants who are able to be given the opportunity to stay.  He asked what the future holds for the communities running from Lechmere, Union Square and Medford that are being dramatically changed because of the Green Line extension.

Ti-Grace Atkinson read from a prepared statement (Attachment D). She stated that she is in the same group of buildings as Mr. McIntosh, which is 33-42 Harding Street. She stated that it is reported that the buildings were sold on June 15

.  She noted that she has lived at this address for 18 years and is 76 years old. She stated that she has a limited income and that she is living off of her writing and limited Social Security since 2005. She added that as a hobby, she breeds show cats but stopped in 2005 because she physically was not able to do the work. She noted that she currently has six cats and that they are her family. She said that the bond is very deep and she cannot abandon her cats. She stated that she organized a tenants group and she was thrilled to see how excited the tenants were to come together and share information with each other. She stated that when she distributed flyers about these tenant meetings, it was clear to her that the landlord would see them. She said that the landlord mentioned to her neighbor that he knew about the meeting that took place on July 1, 2015 and she explained that she is the only tenant that has received an Eviction Notice since that meeting took place. She stated that she wants to bring a human face to the displacement. She stated her neighbor has two disabled sons and he received a notice that he should be out of his apartment by the end of the month. She said that this neighbor has applied for housing for his sons and noted that he would find a room for himself. She asked what sort of people would throw these people out. She stated that half of the tenants will try to be forced out. She stated that the owners blame it on the bank and the mortgage terms to which they agreed. She stated that people are coming into the City to snap up properties and charge exorbitant rents.

Elaine DeRosa, CEOC, stated that if ever there was a speculative deal, this is the one. She stated that Harding Street is an old, East Cambridge property. She stated that if there was ever a time that the City said enough is enough, this would be it. She stated that these residents are wonderful Cambridge people who stick together. She stated that the people cannot fight the battle alone.  She stated that the City should consider offering the property owners money. She stated that there should be a way to make it difficult to continue what they are doing. She stated that they have been negotiating with other tenants as it relates to rent, but T-Grace Atkinson received an Eviction Notice, which shows the basic thinking of the building owners.

Ellen Shachter, Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services, stated that she has brought with her some information regarding services that can be beneficial for some of the residents. She stated that as it relates to Harvard Towers, there was a master deed filed in 1980 with some individual condo sales. She stated the city should push to get in writing that these units are not going to be sold as condos. She stated that there are rumors that the utilities will be turned off in September, and she clarified that this would not be legal. She stated that her office is available to help if the tenants pull together a tenant meeting. She stated that as it relates to Harding Street, this is an incredible group of tenants. She added that there has to be a way to make this work for a majority of tenants. She noted that the attorney that is representing the developer is well-known to some of the attendees of the meeting. She stated that she is hopeful that tenants that might be eligible for Section 8 will be able to stay. She stated her hope that the Housing Committee communicate with the landlord to urge that those tenants who might obtain Section 8 vouchers be given the opportunity to remain in the community, without a fixed end date. She stated that this is the most important thing to say. She stated that now is the time to stand up and communicate with the landlord because things are moving quickly. Ms. Shachter concluded that she is hopeful that there will be some resolution with the CHA, if there are residents that are Section 8 eligible. She thanked CEOC and ACT for their offering their assistance in organizing to protect tenants.

Hasson Rashid stated his support for the residents. He stated that he does not believe that there is nothing legally that can be done. He stated that the unfair eviction of hundreds of people is an unfair ethical business practice. He stated that that there are federal, state and local laws regarding unethical business practices. He added that consumer groups can deal successfully with this issue.

Chava Hassan, 36 Harding Street, stated that she lived in Cambridge for 10 years. She commented that her apartment is not in the best shape, but that is likely what kept it within her price range. She explained that she works at a small non-profit organization in Inman Square and wants to be part of the Cambridge community. She stated that it is amazing to be faced with the same challenge in which she had previously worked with others. She stated that she got an e-mail from the landlord saying that they wanted her unit vacated by the end of month unless she could pay the market rate of $2,200. She stated that the landlord has come down to a 60% rent increase, which is an extra $600.00 beyond what she currently pays for rent. She stated that she wants time.  She noted that she was told the prior day that she is to be out by the end of the month. She echoed the request for help and support. She asked for support from the Housing Committee.

Denise Ghartey, Home Start, stated that there are funds available for assistance with moving costs and noted that her organization is willing to help those in need. She encouraged everyone to call her if they need help as they are willing to look at the big picture. She added that she was born in Cambridge and it makes her emotional because the City is now very different from when she grew up here. She stated that it is important to preserve the feeling of what Cambridge is all about.

Mary Platt stated that she is not originally from Cambridge. She stated that the Sullivan Chamber is gorgeous and has symbolic meaning as a place where people can come to express their needs.  She wished that the City would have leaders to measure up to the beauty and symbolism of City Hall. She stated that the CDD does not fit the title, adding that it seems to her that development is the important word, not community. She stated that there must be a greater interest in what all people need and want to make it a viable community. She stated that at the present time, it seems that developers have the greatest say. She stated that the City Council, among other departments in the City, need to ensure that all of the people who live here can be creative members of the community. She stated that there should be more activity to prevent the types of problems wherein a landlord can take a property and change to condos. She told of the Columbia Point Housing Project wherein the tenants play a major role. She stated that this development is comprised of 1/3 market rate units, 1/3 moderate rate units, and 1/3 subsidized units. She asserted that this was a new concept and it has worked. She added that Cambridge would do well to think about incorporating this sort of plan as it is important for the government to represent all of its people.

James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place, stated that Boston Investments specialize in high end rental housing. He noted that if one looks at the managing partners' webpage, you will see that the firm states that it specializes in high end condo conversion within walking distance of the most coveted Red Line stops. He said that he learned of the situation at the Harvard Towers via a recent Policy Order, and he walked by the building on a weekend day. He stated that he spoke to Mr. Saunders and was pleased to see him at the City Council meeting at which the Policy Order was introduced. He stated that public housing conducts major renovations and relocates tenants.  Mr. Williamson stated that what is happening at Harvard Towers is an example of the owners being disingenuous when stating that everyone must be out of building during renovation. He stated that united, we are strong, and he is encouraged by the testimony that he has heard. He stated that he was horrified with the hearing the name of Mr. Turk in the conversation and suggested that the CHA consider no longer having someone such as Mr. Turk working for them.

Bae Wang, 295 Harvard Street, stated that she recently became aware of the Housing Committee meeting and stated that she wondered whether there was any way to battle with the owner. She stated that a large number of people are not as up to fighting as they may have been in the past. She stated that she suggested to the owner that, due to the size of the building and having only two days for moving with only two elevators to utilize, it would be good to be given extra time in order to pace out the moving schedule. She remarked that she envisions a logistical nightmare.  She stated that she has not received any feedback on her suggestion. She stated that there should be consideration for accommodative actions as it relates to the last month's rent. She echoed that it is not just about economics, it is about treating people humanely. She noted that this is what she would like relayed to the property owners and developers. She stated that she is unsure how residents will hear about next steps and would like to remain in contact with the Housing Committee.

Councillor Simmons stated that she has already written a letter to the owner of 295 Harvard Street stating that the treatment of tenants has been improper and inhumane. She stated that another letter should be written that urges that the deposits be returned to tenants, the last month's rent should be waived, there should be coordination for removal of property not taken by the tenants, and that tenants should be excused from paying the full lease. She stated that she believes she can say that the City Council stands with the residents. She stated that she is happy to host a meeting wherein both parties can be present at the table. She stated that there are many questions to be answered, such as the possibility of the City purchasing properties, legal actions that can be undertaken by the City, and confirmation in writing any terms of commitment. Councillor Simmons noted that it would be valuable to learn if there are ways in which to legislate behavior.

Councillor Simmons then read the letter from the owners of Harvard Towers to the tenants dated July 7, 2015.  (Attachment E).

Councillor Simmons then asked that a communication received by the Housing Committee from an anonymous author be made part of the record of the meeting.  (Attachment F). She explained that there will be an exception to the protocol that communications cannot be accepted without the author's name, due to the fact that this person is in fear of potential retaliation.

Councillor Simmons asked Ms. Shachter to reiterate some of the protections that tenants have.  Ms. Shachter responded that the sale at Harding Street has taken place. She stated that when looking at a potential long-term solution, a question that could be asked is if there is a way to include rehab projects into Inclusionary Zoning. She stated that there are possible monetary claims that individual tenants can request. She added that tenants should know that if there is eviction for no-fault reasons, there is usually a right to stay in units for up to 6 months or even 12 months, although there is not a guarantee. She stated that it is important to add that tenants should not feel that they must make decisions out of panic or fear. She stated that her office can provide legal representation for eligible residents. Ms. Shachter stated that no one can make a tenant leave their unit without a Court Order.

Councillor Mazen stated that this is one of the most urgent human issues that he has been part of.  He stated that one of the public commenters mentioned an attorney had remarked of this situation that this is capitalist America, not Soviet Russia. Councillor Mazen said that we are actually quite a long way from being in the capitalist America that his parents grew up in, since capitalism is predicated upon service to the consumer and efficiency. He stated that we should say to developers that we have the regulation of businesses, and it may be smart to investigate ways in which to restrict Certificate of Occupancy to comply with good practices of aiding residents with reasonable time constraints where people are bound to move. He noted that there must be a commitment to socioeconomic equity.  He stated that there may be quick ordinance changes around permitting that will make it difficult to conduct renovation and service the building owner's loan without appearing to want to shut down their operation. He stated that they have breached the planning of boundaries and the moral boundaries, and in doing so have invited tougher regulations in the City Council's power.

Councillor McGovern stated that this is outrageous. He noted the difference between what building owners are legally allowed to do versus what they are morally obligated to do. He stated the owners are clearly not living up to their moral obligations. He stated that the City Council spends a lot of time on the subject of development and that this type of situation is a bigger threat to the City losing affordable units. He said that 4,000 rental units were lost to condo conversion since the end of rent control, and this continues to occur. He stated that this is what is causing the change in the city. He stated that the other piece is the unacceptable way in which the tenants are being treated. He stated that some developers are scooping other run-down properties in the city, and the buildings that have been discussed are not the only buildings that will be affected by these practices. Councillor McGovern asserted that he does not believe the owners of 295 Harvard Street decided just in May that they were going to renovate the building - rather, he believes that they merely waited until May to notify the tenants of this decision. He stated that it is a terrible way to treat people.  He stated that it is frustrating for him to figure out what the City really can do. He stated that the City Council does not have the power to force an owner to do anything. He stated that a speaker at Public Comment stated that they do not want to ask for financial compensation, and he countered that the tenants should, in fact, ask for compensation because the owners are going to make a lot of money from this deal.  He stated that residents should ask for everything they need.

Councillor Carlone stated that he lives in a condo and is unsure if he may be asked to leave in the future, and that he was aware of that going into this situation, which is very different than the situations the tenants at this meeting have brought to the committee's attention. He stated that rents are going up, and have gone up 7-8 times since he moved to Cambridge 41 years ago. He stated that the city is increasing zoning which feeds speculation. He stated that this is direct byproduct of policy and it is an unplanned gentrification. He stated that Boston announced that they are going to build many moderate and low income units, which came about because the leadership said that if developers want to build downtown, they must also build in neighborhoods. He stated that the city needs a strong housing plan that currently does not exist.  He stated that tenant rights in Cambridge are weak compared to other places. He stated that the City Council and administrators should go to developers and have "man to man" and "woman to woman" discussions. He stated that we must sit down and ask how to make this more humane.  Councillor Simmons added that it is of benefit to have any meeting that were to take place on the public record.

Councillor Simmons asked Mr. Johnston about Section 8 options.  Mr. Johnston stated that for Section 8, the CHA has a program called the Housing Choice Voucher Program which is a voucher that can be used by a household.  As it relates to 295 Harvard Street, Mr. Johnston stated that he does not think that the Section 8 Voucher will work in this building because vouchers will not pay enough to cover a market rate unit. Mr. Johnston noted that 50% of people using vouchers ultimately have to take them outside of Cambridge to find an apartment they can afford. He stated that HUD controls the federal voucher program and gives the CHA a certain amount of cash to support a certain amount of voucher. He stated that the CHA is not able to ask for additional money for the voucher program. He stated that level funding is not entirely accurate because the cost of the program increases every year and if given the same money this year as last year, it is not level funding. He stated that the problem in this building is that the voucher will not support what the owner is going to want for rent. Mr. Johnston stated that tenants in the building can apply for emergency status which would give one access, if income eligible, to a voucher. He stated that there is a 4-month window in which this voucher can be used to find housing. He noted the importance of not exhausting that timeframe by looking only within Cambridge. Mr. Johnston stated that another concern that he has regarding this building is that the building has been market rate, so he is not sure that many tenants would qualify based on the income guidelines. He stated that the guidelines are: Household of 1 - $47,000; Household of 2 - $54,000; Household of 3 - $61,000 per year.  He stated that if tenants are below those amounts they can be screened for emergency status and if they are above those amounts a tenant would not be eligible for CHA programs.

Ellen Semonoff stated that the city offers assistance in two areas for eligible tenants. She stated that the Multi Service Center is available to help people assess whether they are eligible for a variety of services, and there is some funding for income-eligible people for assistance in moving costs and paying first and last month's rent. She also stated that, thanks to the wisdom of the City Council and the City administration, the continued availability of Ellen Shachter and Susan Hegel from the Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services is an invaluable resource to the tenants who are dealing with this impending displacement.

Councillor Simmons asked if tenants as a group are able to be represented. Ms. Shachter responded that half of the tenants must be elderly or low income. Ms. Semonoff stated that she would be willing to attend an initial tenant meeting and would answer questions as they arise, regardless of income. Councillor Simmons stated that it must be the tenants who initiate such a meeting and that representatives from Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services must be invited to this meeting. Ms. Shachter stated that she would be happy to discuss the pros and cons about tenants not leaving their units.

Cassie Arnaud stated that her work focuses on creating new and preserving existing affordable housing. She stated that CDD administers the Inclusionary Housing program. She stated she would be willing to set up individualized information sessions with CEOC and ACT to assist tenants and offer information regarding housing programs.

Cheryl-Ann Pizza-Zeoli stated the more you keep your head down, as a tenant, the more vulnerable you are. She stated that ACT, CEOC and legal services can help. She stated that they will be there to support tenants that want to come together. She added that there is no need for tenant association by-laws or anything formal in order for these tenants to be supported by these organizations. She stated that tenants have advocates on their side who want to help. Ms. Pizza-Zeoli stated that in Maryland, there is strong condo conversion law, and that there are a lot of interesting policy ideas the City Council could look at. She added that the City Council does have leverage even if they don't have legal force. She said that the City Council can stand with tenants to ensure that landlords understand that, regardless of what the owners do, there will be eyes watching them. She spoke of the moral hazard wherein the tenants have to pay for an owner's actions. She stated that CEOC and ACT could help with a petition for the items that the tenants are hoping for, in terms of treatment and tenant rights, which would raise greater awareness of this situation.

Councillor Simmons stated that the tenants at 295 Harvard Street do not stand alone. She urged the tenants to notify the City Council if there are meetings that will be taking place, so that councilors can try to attend. Councillor Simmons stated that she wants income eligible tenants to stay in their buildings, but it is important for them to look at all options. Councillor Simmons asked to what degree CPA funds can be used to purchase or subsidize Section 8 vouchers. Ms. Shachter stated that CPA money can be used to purchase property and assist in vouchers.

Councillor Simmons stated that that another Housing Committee hearing should be scheduled to talk about other properties in similar circumstances, and suggested that owners of the property be invited to City Hall so the dialogue can be placed on the City's record. She stated that it is important to speak on the record in order to hold owners accountable. Councillor Simmons stated that she will forward a letter to the owner of 295 Harvard Street as Chair of the Housing Committee stating that the Housing Committee is following the events that are taking place at that location, as well as a second letter of support to the owner of 295 Harvard Street stating the will and demands of the tenants.

Councillor Simmons added that as the Chair of the Housing Committee she will work on scheduling a hearing regarding the property at 33 Harding Street.

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor to report back to the Housing Committee on any legal protections the City can enact, either through Ordinance, Home Rule Petition or additional avenues, to protect tenants from dramatic rent increases and/or unfair evictions.

Councillor McGovern stressed that it is important to figure out a way to protect tenants and expressed his desire that the response from the City Solicitor be proactive in nature. He stated that he is not interested in hearing the things that the City cannot do to help tenants.

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to determine the feasibility of additions to the building permit process such that, when large amounts of displacement will be entailed due to renovation, the renovating agent be made to comply with a new inclusionary ordinance and be made to comply with further regulations as the City or City Council may see fit to promulgate an order to protect prospective displaced residents.

David Downs, Homeowners Rehab, Inc. (HRI) stated that HRI has a variety of market, moderate and low-income units and stated that the contact person regarding available units is Mr. Andrew Leichtman at Winn Residential.  He encouraged tenants to contact Mr. Leichtman via e-mail at

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor to determine if the City can create a policy whereby the City of Cambridge is notified of any large transition of property that will affect a large number of people.

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Affordable Housing Trust to discuss the feasibility of having the City purchase the buildings on Harvard Street and Harding Street that have recently become the focus of concern before the City Council and report back to the City Council in a timely manner.

Councillor Carlone stated that it would be useful to know the particulars of the housing plan and the existing tenant rights as they are in place today. The research he has done is that it does not seem strong, and he said that a succinct one-page summary on each would be helpful. Councillor Simmons said that she would ask the City Manager if these could be provided to the City Council.

Councillor Simmons stated that, as Chair of the Housing Committee and in agreeance with the Housing Committee members, she would be a sending letter to Jackson Slomiak to ascertain if they are willing to sell their property to the City, to clarify the intent for the building by its owners, and to communicate the requests that the tenants have brought forth at this committee meeting. Councillor Simmons also stated that she would send a similar letter to the owners of other buildings that may be experiencing similar events.