"High-Crime" Areas in Florissant

[TTU]

Concerned wrote:

TTU
Yes I agree the only salvation for me is I retired, neighborhood is ok with a Hoosier exception from Bellefountain Neighbors. There is a ghetto area in Wentzville but it's confined to a small area. Everyone knows its there and know that it's not a complete take over as in North County. The area near Blanchette Park has been there for years, like I said its confined and not widespread.
Yeah it's expensive but your home value won't go to the toilet.

Huh ???? The bank lost $190,000 on my house and my unforeclosed neighbors home values have decreased similarly. Some of them won't even talk to me because "I" caused their homes to devalue. I thought I bought at bottom but I haven't seen any upward ticks in home prices. My banker friend has told me there are "thousands" of STCHARLESCOMO bank owned homes that are being withheld from the market to keep prices up.

I don't know .... I am not encouraged nor am I confident that matters will improve anytime soon.

[I call BS]

TTU wrote:

<quoted text>Huh ???? The bank lost $190,000 on my house and my unforeclosed neighbors home values have decreased similarly. Some of them won't even talk to me because "I" caused their homes to devalue. I thought I bought at bottom but I haven't seen any upward ticks in home prices. My banker friend has told me there are "thousands" of STCHARLESCOMO bank owned homes that are being withheld from the market to keep prices up.
I don't know .... I am not encouraged nor am I confident that matters will improve anytime soon.

Thatsbullshit. There isnt a bank in the nation that would take a hit in theballsack to the tune of a hundred an ninety grand. You're full ofbullshit. Youre also fullof it about the st chuck county area. Houses are worth way more than any cracker box in flo for sure. Quit throwing the bull and causin-shit.

[JJR]

TTU wrote:

<quoted text>Huh ???? The bank lost $190,000 on my house and my unforeclosed neighbors home values have decreased similarly. Some of them won't even talk to me because "I" caused their homes to devalue. I thought I bought at bottom but I haven't seen any upward ticks in home prices. My banker friend has told me there are "thousands" of STCHARLESCOMO bank owned homes that are being withheld from the market to keep prices up.
I don't know .... I am not encouraged nor am I confident that matters will improve anytime soon.

$190,000? I live on St.Catherine near the retirment complex and my home did lose some value, but only about 6%. I have no concerns about real estate values coming back up a bit. They will never go as high as they were 10 years ago, but the bursting of the 'housing bubble' was part of the downfall of the overall economy.
Sorry, but it's very difficult to believe anyone who didn't live in a mansion in CC or DP would lose the kind of money you refer to. Of course it might be possible if the person overpaid for the property, or defaulted in the mortgage or refinanced at a ridiculous rate because of bad credit. But the average homeowner with common sense in this area...never happen.
As far as STCC it might seem like there's a problem but several of my coworkers and friends live out that way and it's more or less the same as it is everywhere. STCC is a good place to live, I'm happy in Florissant. My question is, why do you feel you have to "down" a community thereby disrespecting the people who chose to live there? Why not live where you want and let others do the same and respect their choice and opinions as you would like yours to be respected.

[TTU]

JJR wrote:

<quoted text>
$190,000? I live on St.Catherine near the retirment complex and my home did lose some value, but only about 6%. I have no concerns about real estate values coming back up a bit. They will never go as high as they were 10 years ago, but the bursting of the 'housing bubble' was part of the downfall of the overall economy.
Sorry, but it's very difficult to believe anyone who didn't live in a mansion in CC or DP would lose the kind of money you refer to. Of course it might be possible if the person overpaid for the property, or defaulted in the mortgage or refinanced at a ridiculous rate because of bad credit. But the average homeowner with common sense in this area...never happen.
As far as STCC it might seem like there's a problem but several of my coworkers and friends live out that way and it's more or less the same as it is everywhere. STCC is a good place to live, I'm happy in Florissant. My question is, why do you feel you have to "down" a community thereby disrespecting the people who chose to live there? Why not live where you want and let others do the same and respect their choice and opinions as you would like yours to be respected.

Mine is almost 4000 sq ft so is I guess its a mansion. They sold for $339,000 to almost $500,000 when new and mine was bank owned and needed a roof and some siding repair--I bought "as is".

One thing I have learned from the foreclosure game is that unless you complete a sale you don't know the actual value. There are and have been numerous bank owned homes around mine --Dardenne Prairie--that have sold for $60-80 per square foot in the last two years. Asking prices sometimes $85-95 per foot. If you don't believe me just ask a banker with inventory in this area.

I'm not trying to denigrate anyone or anything, I'm just pointing out a few things that I did not know before I moved to St Chuck and other posters from this area seem to disregard when talking down about FLOMO.

One poster pointed out that everybody here knows where the public housing complexes are in StCharles and know to avoid them, but I did NOT even after a few months of looking around and talking to people. It was only after I moved in that I was told about the warts and what these homes were built around. So in fairness I thought that FLOMO folks should know that, although nice, this is not Shangri La.

This is a particularly sensitive issue amongst StCharles folks and they really have a prejudice for buyers of foreclosures--like we are not worthy or something, but I understand. Many are over $100,000 underwater on their home and are just barely making it or are literally are just waiting for the process server--its happened on my street several times and I've read the unlawful detainer notices on the doors. So I get it and understand when folks jump on me on this forum. Now my neighborhood golf course is having troubles and is not taking care of the grounds and everybody is worried about that too. This is definitely not Shangri La.

[Granny]

I know very little about real estate prices and/or problems in STCC as a whole. But I do know my daughter and son-in-law are "upside down" on their mortgage. That means they owe more then they could get for the home if they sold it (if they could sell it). It's very nice property, located in O'Fallon township and they too have encounter many problems with the general upkeep of surrounding areas. I believe that is being caused by the economy in general, higher costs, more foreclosures and tax defaults, etc.
I know some people who love STC and STCC and some who regret the move because of the traffic commute, some problems with road maintenance, and so forth. I did not know, though that STC area had public housing or subsidized housing.
I am not going to bother with debating the "I'm not a racist" comment, even though I don't believe I am. But, I will say, IMO, subsidizing, public housing, etc. creates a problem in most communities. It seems that such places are not well taken care of and in some cases homes are sold/rented to persons who have no interest in the community nor taking care of the property. Maybe HUD or whomever oversees such things just aren't doing a good job of screening and follow up action. One of the big problems in Flo, I think is absentee landlords at apartments and private residences; and the laxed attention of Flo's mayor and city government/departments to take stronger action when problems occur

[Jerry]

Thank you Granny!!! Well said. Next election let's vote in a mayor that will actually WORK for FloMo.

[TTU]

Granny For Mayor!

[TTU]

How about it Granny?

[Granny]

TTU wrote:

How about it Granny?

Oh, no thank you. I do appreciate the vote of confidence, though :). I have no experience in politics except I often believe politics and plain sense have nothing in common.

I was just trying to say that I have no problem with giving people a hand up not a hand out. I know there must be many fine people who have benefited from such things as subsidizing and have done right by it and their neighbors.

Public housing, I believe, in general doesn't work for anyone except the criminal element and people who just don't give a darn.
I've always believed if you have to work to own a home you appreciate it more and are more likely to take better care of it.
But, I also know, many seniors and lots of folks are doing the best they can. My home could definitely use some improvement, but I pride myself on still at age 70 being able to mow my own grass and keep things looking presentable. It really isn't that hard.

I just can't understand what has happened to our beautiful city and it cannot all be attributed to the black population increase. I have several fine black, hispanic and Mid-East neighbors. But the lack of leadership and concern by our city counsel is upsetting. I guess I mean, the lack of action taken when it comes to enforcing city laws in general. They put up those silly signs of "Loud Music Prohibited", what in the world is the point to that? Why don't they go knock on doors and tell people 'stop letting your trash spill out or get rid of that vehicle that has been parked in your drive (backyard in one case a few blocks over) for two years.

Sorry for rambling on, once I get started...well you know us old codgers like to "talk".

Blessings to all and have a safe happy 4th.

[TTU]

Granny wrote:

<quoted text>
Public housing, I believe, in general doesn't work for anyone except the criminal element and people who just don't give a darn.

Let me tell you something Granny. That is only partially true.

In my job a few years back I worked with "public" housing developers in the city and that is quite an industry. Low and moderate income housing development is a billion dollar industry and huge moneymaker for certain people, e.g., Claire McCaskill's hubby (subsidized nursing homes).

Its like a cancer. It feeds on federal money and once it establishes itself, its job is to perpetuate itself and it will kill out adjacent "healthy" properties just like cancer kills adjacent tissue so it can spread. Just like any business, the low and moderate income housing industry needs customers and despite what its proponents say, it has no interest in folks getting on their feet and moving out.
When I figured out what was going on I steered my company away from doing business with that industry and when it was found out that I was the one responsible for doing that, to say the least, I was persona non grata with my former colleagues.
Cash from the government is a huge ... HUGE!!! ruthless industry. To wit, Mark, if you are out there, sometime just mention at your school board meetings cutting the multimillion dollar minority set aside program now in place in the Hazelwood School District... I dare you, just mention it (but bring a box with you so that you have something to carry your head home in).

[Hunter]

TTU wrote:

How about it Granny?

Count me in...I'll vote for Granny.

[Rottdog1]

My subdivision's problem in Florissant is the whole street I live on is starting to become rental properties. Slimeball landlords are buying houses cheap in foreclosure, renting them to the first family that applies, then proceed to not take care of the property and collect rent. They drag the whole value of the neighborhood down to make a dollar. Whats funny is most of the families they rent to end up getting evicted for not paying rent.
The house next to me is a rental and I can't sell without a huge loss because it is so run down. You can complain to Florissant but nothing is done. I think Florissant officials have given up on their city.

[TTU]

Rottdog1 wrote:

My subdivision's problem in Florissant is the whole street I live on is starting to become rental properties. Slimeball landlords are buying houses cheap in foreclosure, renting them to the first family that applies, then proceed to not take care of the property and collect rent. They drag the whole value of the neighborhood down to make a dollar. Whats funny is most of the families they rent to end up getting evicted for not paying rent.
The house next to me is a rental and I can't sell without a huge loss because it is so run down. You can complain to Florissant but nothing is done. I think Florissant officials have given up on their city.

Yep, and then the houses are worth less than they cost to replace. When they burn down, because the tenant's cuzzin was smokin in bed or barbequing in the bathtub, or the space heater tips over because the gas service is cut off, the the owner uses the insurance to pay off the mortgage or walks away with the cash and leaves the shell for the city or county to demolish ... and you got yourself a Wellston.

[sick of it]

This is my first post so forgive me if I'm posting in the wrong area. I live by Manion Park and about a half hour ago we heard a car alarm going off. It was the Preacher's car at Park Baptist church. We looked outside and saw 4 black males running across the field towards Hazelcrest. We called the police and described them, 1 wearing a white shirt/red shorts, 1 with a grey shirt/dark blue shorts, 1 with a black shirt/dark blue shorts and 1 with dreadlocks. We informed the preacher who had his windows down about 4 or 5 inches. He came out and sure enough his passenger door was partially open. Keep an eye out if you live in the area, these are thugs who will break into a car in broad daylight! Cops are driving around looking for them since they are on foot!

[Mark B]

TTU wrote:

<quoted text>
Let me tell you something Granny. That is only partially true.
In my job a few years back I worked with "public" housing developers in the city and that is quite an industry. Low and moderate income housing development is a billion dollar industry and huge moneymaker for certain people, e.g., Claire McCaskill's hubby (subsidized nursing homes).
Its like a cancer. It feeds on federal money and once it establishes itself, its job is to perpetuate itself and it will kill out adjacent "healthy" properties just like cancer kills adjacent tissue so it can spread. Just like any business, the low and moderate income housing industry needs customers and despite what its proponents say, it has no interest in folks getting on their feet and moving out.
When I figured out what was going on I steered my company away from doing business with that industry and when it was found out that I was the one responsible for doing that, to say the least, I was persona non grata with my former colleagues.
Cash from the government is a huge ... HUGE!!! ruthless industry. To wit, Mark, if you are out there, sometime just mention at your school board meetings cutting the multimillion dollar minority set aside program now in place in the Hazelwood School District... I dare you, just mention it (but bring a box with you so that you have something to carry your head home in).

TTU #338, To wit, the Hazelwood School District has a “Supplier Diversity Program” that has a GOAL of 25% MBE minority (African American) participation and a 5% WBE women owned participation, to all construction and suppliers, providing services or materials to the Hazelwood school district. Anyone can find this policy/procedure on the school website. This is not, nor has this been an attempt to keep anything a secret. Many other large institutions have such a policy. Yes, I voted in favor of this procedure. Yes, several parts of my body would become separated in an attempt to change it. I rather like ALL my body parts to be kept intact. Obviously you have experienced a harsh rash of execution yourself between colleagues.
It is a shame so many are unaware and inexperienced with many of the “today’s requirements” necessary to work or stay in business. Good luck to you in the future TTD. Mark

[TTU]

Mark B wrote:

<quoted text>
TTU #338, To wit, the Hazelwood School District has a “Supplier Diversity Program” that has a GOAL of 25% MBE minority (African American) participation and a 5% WBE women owned participation, to all construction and suppliers, providing services or materials to the Hazelwood school district. Anyone can find this policy/procedure on the school website. This is not, nor has this been an attempt to keep anything a secret. Many other large institutions have such a policy. Yes, I voted in favor of this procedure. Yes, several parts of my body would become separated in an attempt to change it. I rather like ALL my body parts to be kept intact. Obviously you have experienced a harsh rash of execution yourself between colleagues.
It is a shame so many are unaware and inexperienced with many of the “today’s requirements” necessary to work or stay in business. Good luck to you in the future TTD. Mark

Mark, trust me, I completely understand your situation--I've joined hands and stood in a circle with proponents of these programs and prayed to Jesus with them (a complete sham), and I've seen them with their masks off and knives out (they are scary). In my case, it was an eye opening experience and my CEO followed my advice and took our company completely out of that cesspool.
Ultimately, whether the HSD program (and an almost identical one in the Kansas City district) stands or falls will rest with the courts or the legislature (yes, key members of the republican majority of both houses of our state legislature are aware of what is going on).
FYI, you emphasize that the program has a GOAL of the stated percentages of MBE and WBE participation, yet all bidders MUST comply with stated percentages, making it a mandatory program. I predict that requirement will be its legal downfall. Once a large bidder or bidders have their otherwise winning bids tossed out or tire of being pressured to hire relatives and congregants of the program proponents, the lawyers will get involved and the games will begin.
Good fortune to you also, Mark.

[So Sad]

TTU wrote:

<quoted text>Once a large bidder or bidders have their otherwise winning bids tossed out or tire of being pressured to hire relatives and congregants of the program proponents, the lawyers will get involved and the games will begin.

Do you have any evidence of that because that is something that should be exposed?

[So Sad]

Granny wrote:

<quoted text>
I just can't understand what has happened to our beautiful city and it cannot all be attributed to the black population increase.

http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2012/0...

[So Sad]

Rottdog1 wrote:

My subdivision's problem in Florissant is the whole street I live on is starting to become rental properties. Slimeball landlords are buying houses cheap in foreclosure, renting them to the first family that applies, then proceed to not take care of the property and collect rent. They drag the whole value of the neighborhood down to make a dollar. Whats funny is most of the families they rent to end up getting evicted for not paying rent.
The house next to me is a rental and I can't sell without a huge loss because it is so run down. You can complain to Florissant but nothing is done. I think Florissant officials have given up on their city.

A lot of contractors have started working with HUD to keep food on the table. None of them like it and they are told to use the cheapest materials possible. This problem is beyond Florissant's control.

[TTU]

So Sad wrote:

<quoted text>
Do you have any evidence of that because that is something that should be exposed?

No, just a prediction at this time.