Genre: Fiction

Subject: Housing Issues

Nation-X

Nowhere To Go

Housing Issues. Max is excited that Elley Construction will be redeveloping an old run-down area of the city. He overhears a conversation at the local deli that changes his mind about how good the new development would be for the people who had lived in the area their whole lives. He realizes he can make a difference and sets about ensuring that they will be provided for.

                                                  

by Bridget May

CHAPTER 1: A New Development

It was a sunny afternoon as Max arrived at the old apartment complex of west Green City. He was meeting Elley Construction’s surveyor to map the area for development.

Not a moment too soon, Max thought grimly as he got out of his vehicle.   

      The complex was called Bellemar Estates, an ironic name considering the dilapidated condition of the area. The sad, old apartment buildings formed a square, each six stories tall, with low-income housing for approximately one hundred families in each building. The apartments had windows but no balcony areas and looked neglected and dirty. There was a bald, trash-strewn park in the middle common area.

  The park must have been nice once. But now, it was mainly dirt, a broken-down playground in the center, and the remains of two basketball courts on one side where the tarmac was cracked and broken; these looked like they were still used; however, there was a basketball laying on the court.

  The playground looked just as bad. There was a triple swing set that had one swing spun around the top pole so it could not be used, another swing was hanging by just one chain, and the third swing was shredded and broken, hanging at the end of its chains like a tattered flag. There was also the skeleton of an old slide and a double see-saw that was bent and broken. The whole playground looked like it should be condemned.

Even though it was sunny, the area was gloomy and depressing.

Sixty years ago, Bellemar Estates was the solution to the housing issue Green City had faced. The western area of the central city was developed as fixed-price apartment housing for the disadvantaged and elderly. As time wore on and funding had been cut, the buildings fell into disrepair, and communal areas became run-down. It was known as the slums of Green City.

Elley Construction had been awarded the development project and Max was excited. Their proposed plan was to build four modern buildings, with a tree-lined park and grand fountain in the center, it would revitalize the entire area, turning it into a beautiful and functional neighborhood once again.

Max watched Saul Samuels (38 y/o) Beaver, and his assistant Ben Carpenter (23 y/o) Leopard, as they pulled up behind his vehicle.

“Hey Max,” Saul said with a big smile as he got out of the truck. “Wow, I didn’t know this place was still here.”

Max was puzzled, “What do you mean?”

Saul walked around the truck to help Ben with their gear, “when I was a kid, and we first moved to Green City, after my dad died, we lived here for a few years until Mom got promoted.” Saul paused, looking around, “it used to be nice, the playground always had kids in it, and the basketball courts were always busy.” He took a deep breath in, “my brothers and I had a lot of friends here. Mom was always grateful for this place, and she often used to say we would have been homeless otherwise.” Saul sighed, “it’s tragic to see it look so neglected.”

“Yeah,” agreed Max, “it’s time for a change, for sure.”

“Where did all the people go that lived here?” Saul asked.

“I do not know,” replied Max, “all buildings should be vacant by the end of next month, though.”

“Huh,” said Saul. He took his tripod and theodolite.

Max again felt the rush of excitement of knowing that they would be injecting so much new life and purpose into this old forgotten area.

He could envision a lush green space and trees instead of the wasteland it had become. A big fountain in the middle would be perfect. Obviously, they would have to pull the buildings down and start fresh. It made everything so much easier than trying to salvage old buildings. These ugly box apartment buildings were not worth saving.

A couple of hours later, Max was hungry for lunch. He decided he would go to the small deli he had seen on the corner as he had pulled into Bellemar Estates.

CHAPTER 2: The Bellemar Deli

From the outside, with a faded yellow awning hanging above the door the deli had looked very small. Once inside though, it stretched back a long way. Max was surprised at how large it was as he walked to the deli counter at the back of the store and inspected the sandwiches.

“Can I help you, Sir? All the sandwiches are fresh today.” Solomon Stone (40 y/o) Black-faced Howler Monkey, asked. Max looked up to see a friendly face wearing a crisp white apron behind the counter, looking at him with an interested smile.

“They all look good,” Max replied. “What’s your favorite?”

“Well, the apple coleslaw sandwich is good today,” Solomon replied,

“But the kale and peanut salad sandwich on rye bread always sells out too.”

“I’ll try that one,” Max decided. “Kale and peanuts are two of my favorite foods,” he said impressed.

Solomon took the sandwich out of the refrigerated case and wrapped it in brown paper, “you can pay my wife Nancy up the front. Would you like anything else?” he asked.

“No. Thank you,” Max said appreciatively. As he walked closer to the front counter, he could see Nancy (38y/o), Black-faced Howler Monkey, behind the cash register. She was talking to an older lady with a small child in tow, and they looked to be in serious discussion.

Max did not want to appear as though he was eavesdropping, so he picked up a newspaper and walked slowly towards them while pretending to read it. The women kept talking, oblivious to his presence. Francesca Davis (69 y/o) Mandrill and her grandson Charlie (4 y/o) who was sucking on a lollipop waiting for his grandmother. She looked stressed, and her face was contorted in emotion, “I just don’t know what will happen to us! Half of our building is empty already, and I don’t know where anyone has gone. The nursery school Charlie goes to has closed, and we have to be out by the end of the month.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, Franny,” Nancy commiserated.

“I just don’t know what we are going to do. I’ve lived in that place since I was a child. It’s the only home I’ve ever known.” She choked back a sob. “I’m so glad my daughter supports us with her job as a cleaner at the hospital and that she can walk to the train. But if she can’t get to work, she’ll lose her job.” Franny fanned her face, holding back the tears. “We have a social worker, but the place they want us to move to is an hour away! There no train stations within five miles!”

“Oh dear, I know.” Nancy sighed. “We heard from our landlord and the rent is going up. We cannot afford to pay extra rent! It looks like we will lose the business my grandparents started fifty years ago! I can’t believe it!” Nancy shook her head sadly. “I am at a loss; we don’t know what will happen to us either.” Franny shook her head and put her hand on Nancy’s, “I can’t stand that we don’t know what will happen. It’s like they don’t care about us, and they are just throwing us away.”

Nancy nodded with a tight smile. “I guess it’s not profitable to look after people.”

Max felt terrible. He had not thought of the faceless residents that would be displaced. Even when Saul mentioned it, he had been too caught up in the excitement of the new development to give those people thought.

Max cleared his throat. The women turned to look at him. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I just wanted to buy my lunch.” For the first time in a long time, Max was at a loss for words. He felt shame for his previous excitement to demolish the neighborhood.

“Of course,” Nancy smiled at him; the previous anxiety gone from her face. Franny and Charlie stepped back to let Max step in front of the counter. He smiled at them, “thank you.” He paid for his purchases, thanked them both again, and left. Max had temporarily lost his appetite thinking about people like Franny, Charlie, Nancy, and Solomon’s terrible predicament.

CHAPTER 3: A Tough Reality

Max got back to the Elley Construction office at the same time as Grant, he had a roll of blueprints under his arm.

“How was Bellemar Max? Do you see the potential? It’ll be good to get rid of that eyesore, right?”

Max didn’t reply, still conflicted from the conversation he had heard at the deli. He held Grant’s office door open for him.

“Why so quiet, Max?”

Max sighed as he followed him in, “ I was super excited about the project …. right up until,” he paused.

“Until? Until what, Max? ” Grant pressed.

“Until I went to get lunch and overheard a conversation between one of the residents and the deli owner…. They might lose their business, and the residents left have nowhere to go.” Max sighed as he sat down. “I haven’t thought about the impact on the residents before, and now I feel like we are the bad guys.”

Grant sat down behind his desk, “that just comes with the territory, Max. Why are you so concerned now? What do you think happened to the people and businesses before? Not all the projects we take on are conveniently abandoned areas just waiting for redevelopment.” Grant started working on his laptop. Max stared at him incredulously. “What do you mean, comes with the territory? So, you mean to tell me our business is built on driving other people out of areas they’ve always been in? Without providing a solution?”

Grant looked at him, “I think that’s a little overdramatic, Max.” He kept his focus on his computer screen.

“I don’t!” Max raised his voice. “These are people with big problems caused by something we are involved in! Losing the family business? An old lady scared of losing the only home she’s ever known? And her daughter will lose her job because she can’t get to work? They don’t have a car! That’s the only income they have! The only housing options available to them are an hour’s drive away and there’s no train station within walking distance! How are they supposed to live there? Whose idea was that?!”  Max was angry. “How can we just push these people out of town like that? I thought we had values!” He thumped the desk.

“Now hold on a minute, son,” Grant looked at him sternly, “You’re a little misdirected with that righteous anger.” He cleared his throat. “We didn’t push anyone anywhere. It’s a job we were invited to bid on, and we won the bid. We will have work for hundreds of people who will have a reliable income for the next two years. Don’t forget that part. We had nothing to do with how the Bellemar Estates area fell into disrepair and became so neglected. We are not responsible for other people’s financial situations.” Max stared back at Grant.

Max blew out a big breath. “OK, but isn’t there some way we can do something?”

Grant’s voice softened, “I know it seems unfair, but we can’t solve everything for everyone.” He sighed.

Max sighed too, “I know, but I really felt bad for those people, having so little control over their lives,” he continued, “I’ve never considered it before. I’ve always been so focused on our projects; I feel like an idiot.”

“Don’t give yourself a hard time, Max. It’s just the way it is. There’s always going to be a sob story.” He paused, “now, don’t think I’m being callous, but I have a conference call in a few minutes.” Grant had risen from his seat and was holding his office door for Max, “we can talk about this later.”

That evening, when he met Penny for dinner, she immediately noticed something bothering Max.

“What’s wrong, Max?” she asked while they were waiting for their meal.

“Did something happen at work today?” She asked gently.

Max shook his head, “not really.”

“Did you go over to Bellemar Estates?” Penny asked, “did something happen there?” Penny was familiar with the area’s redevelopment project.

Max paused and nodded, “yeah, I was all excited for this development and the vision we have for it, but then I went to the local Deli to get a sandwich for lunch, and I overheard a couple of people talking. They face so much uncertainty and loss of their homes and have nowhere to go. Now I just feel like a jerk.”

“Oh no,” Penny commiserated. “That’s awful. I’ve never really given much thought to the people that have to leave an area that’s tagged for redevelopment.”

“Neither have I,” Max agreed. “But I have this overwhelming feeling I should start.”

Penny listened. Max took a deep breath, “I’m just not sure the best way to do it.”

“I wonder if there is some sort of zoning ordinance that could be enforced about including a certain percentage of affordable housing in situations like this.” Penny speculated.

Max sat up straight. She had inspired him, “you know Penny, that is a brilliant idea! I’m going to check that out.”

Penny grinned at him, “I know you can figure it out, Max.” She changed the subject. “How was the sandwich?”

Max was surprised, “It was delicious! You would love it.”

“Why don’t you take me over there this weekend, and we can pick up lunch?” Penny suggested. “Besides, I’ve never actually seen the Bellemar Estates with my own eyes.”

“OK,” Max agreed, “I’ll take you.”  

CHAPTER 4: Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained

When Max got home, he spent a few hours researching zoning ordinances for the Bellemar Estates area. Obviously, it was already mixed-use, with retail and housing, but he wanted to know more.

He formulated a plan to integrate affordable housing for the lower-income section of society that had resided in the area for so long. He did not think it would be too much to show Grant, and it would just be a small percentage of one building’s designated use.

Max was hopeful that Elley Construction could contribute to the solution, not the problem.

The next morning, he called Grant on the way into the office, “I have a solution to the problem at Bellemar,” Max started.

“First of all,” Grant said with a sigh, “there is no problem with Bellemar. The only problem is that you suddenly feel responsible because you overheard a conversation when you were buying lunch yesterday.” Grant said.

“More like I had my eyes opened when they were closed,” Max replied. He went on, “can I just show you something when you get into the office this morning? It’ll only take ten minutes.”

“Show me something?”

“Yes, it’s just an idea,” Max promised. “You can tell me what you think.”

“OK, I’ll give you ten minutes mid-morning. Have Clarissa put it on my calendar, so we will not be disturbed. Ten minutes and ten minutes only!”

“OK thanks! It’s a great idea. I’m sure you’ll love it.” Max was enthused.

“I’ll be the judge of that. What I love is people doing their jobs and not altering plans that are so close to being finalized.” Grant muttered as he ended the call. Grant got into the office at 9:45 am. Even though Max wanted to run right into his office and show him, he thought it would be a good idea to give him some time to get settled. The next fifteen minutes were excruciating.

At 10:00 am, Max knocked on Grant’s door. He had printed out the alternate plans for Bellemar and had them under his arm. “OK, what are you thinking?” Grant asked. He had no time for small talk, all plans had to be ready for his meeting with the Zoning Commission in two days. Grant took deadlines seriously.

“I had a look at the zoning ordinance for Bellemar, and we could incorporate a percentage of lower-income housing into the design.” Max paused and looked nervously at Grant. He didn’t say anything. Max took this as an encouraging sign and kept going, “I thought we could utilize the east side of the first building and build affordable apartments and retail. That way, we can influence a revitalization for the working-class area, and the people that have always been there can still call the area home.”

Max paused again; Grant was still paying attention. “Go on,” he prompted. “I’m listening.”

Max pulled out the amended plans and handed them to Grant. “As you can see, on the other side of the building, with some creative landscaping and traffic direction, the two areas can still be relatively separate.”

Grant adjusted his glasses and looked at the plans.

      “I discovered that when Bellemar Estates was built, the inner-city zoning laws stipulated that every new development had to include 10% affordable housing.”

Grant nodded. Max continued “It was very successful, for a couple of decades there was affordable housing for the elderly and disadvantaged,” said Max, “But, my point is that the council did support it for a time. This isn’t a new idea.”

Just then, Clarissa paged Grant on the office intercom, “Line two is for you, it’s the bank.”

“Thank you, Clarissa. I’ll pick it up in a moment.”

Grant turned to Max, “you know, this could work. Leave it with me and I’ll get back to you before the meeting on Tuesday.” Grant tucked the paper Max had given him back in the manila folder and set it down in the middle of his desk.

Max nodded, “thanks!”

He felt encouraged. If Grant said he would look into it, Max knew he would.

CHAPTER 5: The Blueprint

The next day, Max took Penny over to Bellemar Estates to get lunch from the deli. Penny had never been to Bellemar Estates before, and they were surprised to see a few teenagers playing basketball on the dilapidated old courts. They also saw three children playing around the broken-down old playground. They were oblivious to their surroundings, laughing and running together. Max recognized one of them as Charlie. He could see Franny standing by the fence line, watching the children play.

“Oh Max, what an awful place for children to be in,” Penny remarked. Max agreed.

At the Bellemar Deli, Max was surprised to see how much busier it was on a Saturday afternoon. There was a line of people at the deli counter, and Max could see the fresh sandwiches had sold out. When it was their turn, Solomon greeted him with a big smile, “Hello, my friend! How was your sandwich the other day?”

“It was delicious,” Max replied, returning the smile, “in fact, it was so good I bought my girlfriend back for one too, but I see you have sold out.”

“No problem, I will make fresh sandwiches for you, kale and peanut on rye, correct?” Max was impressed, “Yes, two, please. Great memory!”

Solomon nodded as turned to the young man at the other end of the deli counter working with him, Isaac (18 y/o), his son looked just like his dad, “Isaac, I’m going to be busy for a few minutes, would you keep serving?”

“Sure, Dad,” Isaac said with a grin, “I’ve got you.”

Max and Penny watched Solomon through the glass as he got busy making their sandwiches.  “So my friend, I’ve seen you twice in a week, what brings you to Bellemar? It’s not often you see a new face twice in one week.”

He put the wrapped sandwiches on the counter and patted them as he slid them onto the glass countertop towards Max.

Isaac moved closer to join in the conversation.

“Well,” Max started feeling a little uncomfortable, “I’m with Elley Construction.” He picked up the sandwiches and gave one to Penny.

“Aren’t you the company that just won the contract to…” Isaac started,

“Congratulations,” Solomon replied, cutting Isaac with a glare, “this area needs something. That must be worth a lot of money.” He paused, “although leveling it and kicking everyone out to turn into an up-market-rich area is….”
“Not surprising,” Isaac interrupted, “kick out the overworked and underpaid to make way for the rich: the same old story, playing out again and again.” He rolled his eyes spitefully, sneering at Max and Penny.

“Isaac! Nobody asked for your opinion! And it is YOUR opinion! Solomon chastised, Isaac sighed loudly, “Go to the cooler and get me some more kale, please.” Solomon said firmly.

“Yes, Dad,” Isaac turned and disappeared out the back. Solomon turned to Max and Penny, “I apologize. We don’t all share the same opinion, and he’s young and does not have much perspective. This is all he’s ever known. Bellemar has been home to so many for so long, we all knew that something needed to happen, but nobody expected this,” Solomon had picked up a cloth and was wiping the counter. “Everything is very uncertain right now.”

“No, don’t apologize,” Max insisted, “there is some truth in what he said.”

Solomon turned to Max and put down the cloth. “What do you mean?” he asked.

“When I was in here the other day, I heard your wife talking to a customer,” Max stated, “and I’ve been thinking about how to incorporate affordable housing into the project.”

Solomon looked curious, “Is that something that can be added?”

“I did some research and raised the issue with the owner of the company. He was interested to see how we can work it in.” Max smiled, “I don’t know if we are too late in the process, but we can only try.”

Solomon was hopeful, “when will you know?”

He meets with the Zoning Commission on Tuesday morning, so at least by Wednesday,” Max continued, “no promises or anything, but it’s not over until it’s over.”

Solomon laughed, “well, my friend, thank you. I think I will not tell Nancy or Isaac until after that.” 

Just then, Isaac came back with a bundle of greens. “Tell mom or me what?”

“That I have the best family ever!” he winked at Isaac.

“OK, Dad,” he rolled his eyes and handed him the kale.

Solomon put out his hand to Max, “Thank you,”

Max shook it, “You’re welcome, Sir,”

As they left the Deli, Penny asked Max, “do you think Grant will be able to sell the low-income housing idea to the Zoning Committee?” she asked. “I don’t know, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s Dad,” Max said proudly.

Penny nodded with agreement as she took a bite of her sandwich.

“Mmm, these are good sandwiches.”

“I told you.”

CHAPTER 6: The Zoning Committee

Monday morning, Grant called Max into his office, “thanks to you, I was working all weekend. Your mother was not impressed.” Grant said, half-joking.

Max was excited, “did you figure it out? Can we do it?”

“Yes, I think we can. I liked your idea. If we designate the ground and first floors of half the buildings on the eastside, there could be retail and low-income housing, and with some strategic landscaping and green spaces, the two areas will be compatible. I am the blueprints drafted for the east building right now.”

“Wow, that’s great news!” Max was delighted.

Grant paused, “Don’t get too excited. I will also have the original blueprints as a backup. I don’t want to blow a big contract with Green City Municipality by throwing them a curveball.”

“I understand,” Max replied.

“But I’ll give it my best shot,” Grant promised. “This is an excellent idea, and we may be able to influence future developments if we approach it intelligentially.”

Max felt quietly confident it would be approved. How could it not? This addressed an essential need in the community.

Grant met with the Zoning Commission as scheduled the following afternoon. The meeting stretched on for hours.

Max was worried but hopeful.

At last, Grant emerged from the meeting. He looked tired.

“Well?” asked Max impatiently.

“They are in favor of the basic premise, with a few alterations.”

“Like what?” Max felt his stomach drop, and he couldn’t tell if Grant was about to tell him something good or bad.

“That we change the percentage of affordable housing on the backside of the development.”

“Oh really?” he tried not to show any emotion. He was expecting the worst. “To what? Like, 5%?” He asked, disappointed.

Grant’s face broke into a huge smile, “No, 25%!”

“Seriously?!” Max was stunned. “25%?” he squeaked.

“Yes, they thought it was a magnificent idea!” Grant burst out, “turns out, there have been discussions on the back burner for months about the need for Bellemar Estates to live on in some form or other.”

“That’s great!” Max was beaming, and he felt such a relief.

“They have given us 72 more hours to re-draw the new blueprints before they sign off on them.” Grant looked at Max, “we have got to get to work. I need you to go to the Architect’s office right now.”

The blueprints were amended once more and presented three days later. The new and improved Bellemar East (as it was to be named) looked promising.

There was a lot of support from the inner-city community.

Max contacted Franny’s social worker and shared the news that there would be a place for Franny’s family, which meant Franny’s daughter would not lose her job.

It was touted in the media as a new solution. The most important thing was this project would be built to include the very people who had lived in the area for so long.

A few weeks later, Max and Penny went back to the Belllemar Deli for another sandwich. Again, Solomon and Isaac were at the deli counter. Isaac saw them straight away and elbowed his dad. Solomon’s face lit up. “Hello, my friends!” he called out to Max and Penny,

“Hello,” Max replied.

Solomon stretched out his hand over the counter to Max, “thank you, kind Sir. What your company will be doing here is a wonderful thing. Thank you!” He beamed as he shook Max’s hand with both of his.

Isaac came over to them as well, “I owe you an apology,” he said sheepishly.

“No, you don’t,” Max disagreed, “you are entitled to your opinion.” he paused, “you just need more practice knowing when a suitable time to share it is.” He winked at Isaac.

Isaac laughed, “you sound like my dad.”

It was Max’s turn to laugh. He turned back to Solomon. “I’m as happy as you are that this ordinance was passed, and I’m hopeful this will shape future developments in Green City.”

“That’s fantastic!” Solomon said enthusiastically. “Thank you so much for what you did.” He beamed at them both.

“I’m so glad the history of Bellemar will be honored and preserved.” Nancy had joined them, “Franny won’t be displaced for too long and we won’t lose the deli.” She smiled widely at Max and Penny.

Bellemar East would be a success!

Comprehension Questions

1. What was the problem with Bellemar Estates?

• Why was Max excited about the development?
  • Because it would get rid of the slums.
  • Because they would build a new school.
  • Because they would turn into a parking lot.
  • All of the above.

• After hearing Nancy and Franny talking, Max felt entitled for being so excited about the demolishing of Bellemar Estates.           
  • True   
  • False

       4. What caused Max to lose his appetite temporarily?

       5. What did Max and Grant disagree about?    

            A. Max thought Grant was not interested in people getting kicked out of their homes with nowhere to go.

             B. Grant thought Max was misdirected.

             C. Max thought Elley Construction should take more responsibility.

             D. All of the above.

       6. Penny’s comments about affordable housing inspired Max to find a solution.

           A. True

           B. False

      7. Why did Max want ten minutes of Grant’s time?

             A. To show him an idea for affordable housing.

             B. To tell Grant he was right.

             C. To take him on a tour of Bellemar.

             D. All of the above.

     8. Why did Grant agree with Max about including low-income housing?

9. Put the events in the correct order.

A. Max takes Penny to Bellemar Deli to try a sandwich. 1.

B. Saul and Ben arrive to survey Bellemar Estate.             2.

• Max overhears a conversation in the deli.                      3.
  • Max comes up with a plan to include affordable housing.4.

10. Why did the Zoning Committee meeting take so long?

         A. They rejected the idea of affordable housing.

         B. They reduced the percentage by half.

         C. They increased the percentage of affordable housing.

         D. All of the above.

 Answer Key

1. It was neglected and run down and had not been maintained over the years.

• A

• B

• Thinking that people would lose their businesses and lifelong homes made Max lose his appetite.

• D

• A

• A

• Because it had been a rule previously, and they would not be convincing them of a new idea.

• A: 4, B:1, C:2, D:3

10. C