Dear Editor:
First, I want to thank E. Assata Wright and the Jersey City Reporter for publishing “Affordable and senior abatements on its way.”
The article quoted both Councilpersons Donnelley and Ahmed both proponents of affordable housing. Ironically, Donnelley and Ahmed voted yes to an ordinance to spend $3.1 million on a revaluation this year. Both gave similar statements that taxpayers should pay their fair share of taxes. I guess it is ok that taxpayers receive double or triple increases as long as newer residents receive affordable housing.
In general politicians love affordable housing because it gives them a base of voters who are not effected by raising taxes or water bills. After all, there are angry taxpayers who are upset when their municipal taxes rose 85 percent between 2005 and 2010. And politicians hit a home run when they spend money on seniors in taxed abated buildings or sponsor little league teams composed mostly of children from affordable housing. The way to re-election is to bring in more affordable housing!
Yvonne Balcer