Housing

El Tiempo Article by Kevin Milliken
Lucas County’s 2009 foreclosure numbers show more properties continue to fall prey to the poor economy, but fewer homeowners are losing the biggest investment of their lives to a sheriff’s sale. It’s a mixed picture that suggests local foreclosure prevention efforts are succeeding, banks are giving up on situations that can’t be resolved—or both.

I just got back from Voting. I Voted NO. No on the Oregon Property TAX Levy! I just wish that there was a HELL-NO button!

National Summit draws business and government leaders
(Pic)
http://multimedia.detnews.com/pix/photogalleries/newsgallery/summit0615/...

Calvin Buckmaster of Toledo talks with Mary Tradii of Roseville outside boxes that Buckmaster, a laid-off Chrysler Jeep plant worker whose house might be foreclosed on, put up with another man at the National People's Summit and Tent City at Grand Circus Park. It was set up to protest the National Summit across town.

Robin Buckson / The Detroit News
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US cities may have to be bulldozed in order to survive
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/5516536...

"The government looking at expanding a pioneering scheme in Flint, one of the poorest US cities, which involves razing entire districts and returning the land to nature.

Local politicians believe the city must contract by as much as 40 per cent, concentrating the dwindling population and local services into a more viable area."

Askmen.com have compiled a list of the best cities for men using criteria such as employment rate, male-to-female ratio, frequency of sporting events and the cost of a pint of beer. Cold hard facts. And although it was a commendable and quasi-scientific effort, we can't resist the urge make a few quasi-jackass remarks on their well-researched presentation from our perch in the back of the class...................

http://www.askmen.com/specials/2009_top_29/

I have more on my blog about the newly-formed Toledo Foreclosure Defense League, but if you know someone who is facing foreclosure or eviction, this group of activists might be able to help.

Is Marcy changing her tune?

“I have been shocked, shocked with the number of citizens in our district who don’t get legal help,” Kaptur said.

Many people appear to be ashamed of what’s happened, she said. She said she tells people, “Don’t be afraid. Get a lawyer.”

http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2009/02/17/viewpoints/blogs/tom...

An interesting idea.
=====
“Finally... A Solution that Helps Main Street”

End Foreclosures.
Empower Individual Homeowners.
Turn “Toxic” Assets Into Valued Assets.

"The Mortgage Equity-Equalization Program"

West Islip, NY – A bold new program to end the mortgage foreclosure crisis was announced today. The “Mortgage Equity-Equalization Program” will end the foreclosure crisis by giving individual homeowners “credits” that are equal to the lost value of their real estate.

I'm surprised no one else posted this--

Marcy Kaptur tells homeowners facing eviction to exercise their squatter's rights. She told Congress earlier this month, "I say to the American people, you be squatters in your own homes. Don't you leave," and was interviewed by Lou Dobbs last week on the subject.

Read the Blade story here:http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090131/NEWS16/901310383/0/SPORTS08

The former Macomber High School at 1501 Monroe St is in foreclosure and set to be sold at the sheriff sale this month. If any of you are interested, bidding will start at 500k. This may be a good time for a charter school to purchase the property. See the attachment for the December list of properties.

It wasn't and isn't just "subprime". It wasn't and isn't just a minor blip affecting a few million people.

It is a general Credit Crisis that affects all of the nation. The vast troubles we've created (or allowed to be created, by indulging in the utter madness of FREE-MARKET FUNDAMENTALISM) have put us into a Great Depression. We're in a Great Depression NOW.

Mortgage Delinquencies, Foreclosures Rise to Record (Update3)

Fireplace ban, fines effective today
Contra Costa Times ^ | 11/1/8 | Dennis Cuff

Bay Area residents who violate a new ban on burning wood fires on chilly Spare the Air nights could face some of the toughest fines in California — hundreds or even thousands of dollars per violation.

While Ms. Lothery, an area Block Watch captain, was relieved that the building burned, not everyone is happy about what has become a trend in Toledo.

Vacant-structure fires such as the one near Ms. Lothery's house on Oct. 5 have become increasingly common in the city this year, continuing an upward trend that began three years ago.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Under a mortgage rescue plan announced at the debate Tuesday night by Senator John McCain, much of the burden of paying to keep troubled borrowers in their homes will shift to taxpayers.

LUCAS COUNTY (WTOL) - It's viewed as a much-needed tool to help stabilize neighborhoods that are suffering economically, and local leaders are looking to get the go-ahead in Columbus.

County leaders are asking for state lawmakers to help them turn some vacant and run-down properties around.

I sure hope King Carty does not try to steal the show when Extreme Home Makeover comes to Toledo. Carty is bad news all the time. We don't need or want him on TV. Maybe the TV show will treat him just like the DNC and Obama has! Cold, Real Cold ! The cold shoulder ! Carty, a real %$%^%&*# !!

Thieves scoured Kalinda Sanders' West Toledo house earlier this month, looking for anything that could be scrapped for money.

They ripped out her bathroom sink and tore a hole in the wall next to her bathtub, leaving remnants of installation scattered all over the floor.

"A study about vacant properties in Ohio released earlier this year said vacant and abandoned properties cost Toledo taxpayers at least $3.8 million in 2006 in demolition, boarding-up, grass-mowing, and trash-removal costs.