Thoughts on the new Powder House Villiage YMCA apartments in Ipswich Ma? (Salem: affordable apartment)

[menglin]

Hi
My sister is relocating to Ma. Looking for affordable apartment, since she is a single mom. I know these are income eligible. But does anyone live there yet and know if it's a safe place for a family? Or does it have that stigma that goes with affordable housing? I do not mean to offend anybody. Thanks for any info on the place.

[gf2020]

I'm not aware of any stigma; the program and construction was widely supported on the North Shore. It's highly competitive to get one of the 48 apartments, however.

First tenants to move into Y housing on July 1 » SalemNews.com, Salem, MA

Current ad: Brand New 2 BR Apartments includes heat & hot water! (http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/abo/2514611474.html - broken link)

Application here: http://www.northshoreymca.org/downlo...pplication.pdf

[in_newengland]

They look attractive enough from the outside and the area is safe. Some of them are right on the sidewalk but at least they've put up a little wall and some flowers in the front. I didn't think the rents were that "affordable" although they are somewhat less than market value. A membership to the Y is a plus. A minus to me is no yard at all and not even a place to sit outside.

[BeachLover789]

I lived there. There are drug addicts and dealers in there. The washing machines are filthy. They "inspect" your apartment 4-5 times a year, will bring bed bug sniffing dogs in your home, and they never fix anything that needs to be fixed. Kathy Churchill is a bully and threatens eviction constantly. The place is swarming with smokers inside and out. Bottom line, the place is a joke. If you like having everyone know your business, this is a place for you.

[in_newengland]

Originally Posted by BeachLover789

I lived there. There are drug addicts and dealers in there. The washing machines are filthy. They "inspect" your apartment 4-5 times a year, will bring bed bug sniffing dogs in your home, and they never fix anything that needs to be fixed. Kathy Churchill is a bully and threatens eviction constantly. The place is swarming with smokers inside and out. Bottom line, the place is a joke. If you like having everyone know your business, this is a place for you.

Thank you. I always wondered because I watched them being built. When they first opened rumor had it that someone moved in and moved right out again. When you look at the building, it looks almost as bad as student housing I've seen--curtains that resemble sheets, messy looking.

The rents were not very cheap. When they opened it was over $1000/month for a one bedroom with no balcony, no outside area at all, probably making you share a washer and dryer. No pets. I don't know if that included utilities.

It's a shame that truly deserving people without a high income can't find a decent place to live. There are some "affordable" apartments that have just been built in Newburyport. After what I've heard about "affordable" apartments in other places, including Ipswich, I would be very skeptical.

[Tetra]

This is the worst place I have ever lived. I'd rather live in the ghetto. It's not filled with families, but with addicts who are "disabled." Management is a joke. I'm shocked the YMCA allows this. Don't get stuck here like me!