HOA president missed the mark

Affordable housing- if developed properly- does not attract crime, degrade schools, or negatively impact housing values.

Mr. Lahana's negative comments voiced at the recent Agoura Hills City Council hearing concerning the Agoura Village residential plan are not surprising. For much of my life I had little contact or understanding of affordable housing and held similar views.

My involvement with Many Mansions, though, changed this perception: I now see affordable housing as a way to not only assist those most in need but as a way to improve the neighborhood, reduce crime and strengthen the community.

Many Mansions owns and manages nine affordable housing rental apartments (410 units) in Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley. Many Mansions developed this housing with the community's interest in mind. Thus, Many Mansions provides more than housing by providing 'lifeenriching services' to the residents including a school tutoring program, summer camp, job training and adult counseling. The service programs and active (and supportive) management are keys to making affordable housing projects successful.

For properties that Many Mansions took over, crime went significantly down.

For properties Many Mansions constructed, the beauty of the buildings enhances the neighborhood.

For children who were homeless or living in overcrowded and abusive environments, safe decent serviceenriched housing only improves their school performance.

As stated by Mr. Kamino of the city, the need for affordable housing in Agoura Hills is great. If done right, affordable housing will strengthen Agoura Hills for all of its citizens. Rick A. Schroeder Executive director Many Mansions