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| | Email this article • Print this article | Residents oppose change to assisted living
by Nancy Busiahn
Residents of Park Street Apartments are not happy with building owner John Bergstad's plan to convert the building into an assisted living facility. A number of the residents have reorganized a tenant's association, calling themselves Park Street Apartments Home Sweet Home.
Park Street opened 30 years ago, in 1978, to provide housing for senior citizens and other handicapped adults at a subsidized rental fee. The structure's Section 8 contract expires in October.
Residents were notified in October 2007 that Bergstad might let the Section 8 designation expire, and make the change to assisted living. At that time, speaking through a spokesperson, Bergstad said that most of the residents wouldn't be affected by the switch because they can obtain vouchers allowing them to stay.
On May 1, 2008, Bergstad told members of the city council about his plans.
A spokesperson for the residents said Bergstad's plans-which include extensive remodeling-had not been adequately explained to the tenants. Rents would increase to $800 per month, and residents are concerned they won't be able to afford to stay in their homes.
If they must move, members of the group say there is not enough low-income housing available in Cannon Falls, adding that a move would be particularly hard on several residents who are over 90. Thirty-five people currently live in the building.
Building manager Kathy Duden confirmed this week that some residents will be moving. Some are not eligible, she said, and others have chosen to leave because they don't wish to live in an assisted living facility.
Remodeling of the building will begin fairly soon, Duden said, so that the building is ready when the change to assisted living occurs this fall.
A representative of Park Street's residents attended the May 15 council meeting to request the topic be put on the council agenda for June 5 at 7:30 p.m. They've been actively seeking community support for their plight. Also attending the council meeting will be representatives of HOME Line, a Minnesota nonprofit tenant advocacy group.
The tenants met with Bergstad on Friday, May 30, to express their concerns.
Bergstad could not be reached for comment.
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