I have been amazed at a new community in Logan known as "The Springs." Almost overnight, there were hundreds of cute little houses popping up on the South West part of Logan. At first I thought that it was a new retirement community. They were single story stucco houses with well maintained yards and obviously part of a PUD. Turns out, the are actually subsidized housing. People can rent these places for like $200 a month based on their income.
I don't know who funds this project or where the money comes from, but to me it seems like a a misuse of taxpayers money. Yes it's nice that people who may not have the means can find affordable housing, but a brand new, 3 bedroom 2 bath house with a 2 car garage, a community clubhouse, and a yard that is taken care of for them? The economic lesson I get from this type of housing project is that by minimizing your income you can obtain a nicer residence for less cost. It seems to me that it encourages mediocrity. Market value of these houses would be about $160,000 + a HOA fee of $100 a month. Market value of normal Logan Rentals is lower than anywhere else I've ever lived.
There are other government subsidized housing units in town like Hanbury Manor and the Aspen Court off 1800 North. The difference is that these communities are APARTMENTS. The cost per unit is less than half of what it costs to build a single family house like this. From what I hear, Hanbury Manor actually has vacancies. That's something that hasn't happened in years.
Anyways, I would like some input on this and if anybody knows the real details of The Springs Community I would love to hear the facts.
39 comments:
First of all, you don't know what the heck you are talking about. If you'd like a little more information on the section 42 program, look it up. This type of low income property doesn't "keep" people poor. It helps out those who are poor at the time. Get your facts straight before you blog about something you don't know about.
Where is this community? I have heard about it but don't really know that much about it.
I just did a search and from what I found it is for the elderly.
The Springs is not just for the Elderly. I've got friends that live there who are just out of college. From what I understand about the program, the way it works is someone initially qualifies to live there; annual income needs to be under a certain amount. Then according to the persons income, rent will be more like $300 or $600 a month plus utilities. Then after you have initially qualified your income is allowed to increase to about two times the initial qualifying amount. Numbers and limits change according to family size and such.
Personally, I'd love to get into this program not only because it's a great deal on the "Cheap Rent" side of things but it also allows me to save major money while my income increases. With that saved money I want to buy a home with CASH. Ya, that's right forget all those life sucking payments.
I think this is a great program for the community, because it allows your income to increase by a sizable amount while helping provide a suitable home to live in. Granted, there will be those people that want to "Stick around," but who would want to stay in a tiny three bedroom house. I see this as a great spring board to what I really want, a paid for home.
This is an amazing program who benefits all types of people in different life situations from a young Mom, that just had her husband pass away to somone struggling with Cancer and they don't have to worry about paying out an expensive rent, and yet they have a great place to raise their families so at least they can have that peace of mind. And it is Not a susiding housing and the government does NOT pay a portion of this rent. It is investors that put the money up to build these affordable housing projects in return get a Tax Break. I do not live in The Springs nor have I ever seen it, but there are several of these communities in Utah and they are ranked one the best in the United States.
This is an amazing program who benefits all types of people in different life situations from a young Mom, that just had her husband pass away to somone struggling with Cancer and they don't have to worry about paying out an expensive rent, and yet they have a great place to raise their families so at least they can have that peace of mind. And it is Not a subsidized housing and the government does NOT pay a portion of this rent. It is investors that put the money up to build these affordable housing projects in return get a Tax Break. I do not live in The Springs nor have I ever seen it, but there are several of these communities in Utah and they are ranked one the best in the United States.
I am sorry that Logan Real estate takes such a harsh view of other people's need for affordable housing! Why shouldn't people who have low paying jobs, are disabled or have other reasons why they cannot afford unsubsidized rent be able to live in decent housing at an affordable price? Obviously, the original writer of this blog doesn't have these problems and, I hope he/she never does. But, sometimes people need help because of life circumstances. I wish we had more affordable housing in New York City, where I live. Some of the homeless people here are without housing because they can't afford it. They live in the shelter and go to low paying jobs. How's that for a life!
I think it is great for many reasons. There are several situations, some mentioned above, that cause a person/family to need housing such as this. And this being a college town with lots of married students, such as myself, I think it's a great opportunity to be in a home and get that "home" feel before you have the opportunity to actually purchase a home of your own.
NO ITS SUCKS AND THE WOMEN WHO RUN THIS PLACE ARE NOT THE MOST PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE THEY WERE VERY RUDE WHEN I CHECKED INTO THIS
Hi! I lived in this subsidized housing community before and it was really good for us. Initially you have to be under a certain income bracket and then after you are in your income can increase and they wont kick you out. I actually knew a family living there where the Dad was in college woking for his PHD and another family where the father was in training to become a mortician. It is not just for people who want to mooch. Most of the people living there are going to school and working really hard. You have to have income to live there. We only stayed for one year. The low rent helped us get through until we were a bit more stable. It is a great program-has helped a lot of families!
I have recently applied to live at the springs housing community. I feel that they are a great addition to this community. My husband and I are an honest hard working couple trying to get through school we had some emergency medical setbacks two years ago that were over $300,000 most people could never pay for that kind of medical expense regardless of income if it was not for programs like this and others that helped us pay for medical care we would likely be on the streets forced to steel or survive by any means possible in a country such as ours we should always try to help people live the best quality of life you never know what people in a desperate situation will do to protect their family and put food in their mouths.
Where do you get information about this? Website, Location, Phone Number?
I heard about the Springs today and am hoping to be able to qualify for it.. My husband and I bought a home in Ogden 5 months ago and together were making 80k a year, and then within 3 weeks of eachother we both lost our jobs. We have been forced to move into his parents basement and my son and husband and I are squished into unreal living spaces and we all hate it. My husband is a helicopter pilot and those jobs aren't the easiest to come by. THe interview process is lengthy and expensive. Not to mention the fact that we are having to pay his student loans that are over a $1000 a month. If we didn't have to pay that back, obviously we would be doing much better. But that alone is more than our mortgage. Unlike conventional college, you can't get grants near as easy for helicopter pilot school as you would be able to for college. It is frustrating and hard that the one reason we are low income and will be for the next 30 years till he pays that off, is because he actually paid to go to school, finished, and is doing his best to stay employed in an industry that is flightier than sales. I love communities like this, but most of the time we don't qualify because of his income. It is about 45k, which sounds nice, but 12k of that a year is going to pay off his loan. I wish that the 'government' that is subsidizing these houses and communities would take medical bills and student loans into account. If grant money and student loans count toward your income before you pay them back (which they do in these low income housing situations) then when you have to pay them back, they should be deducted from your total income. It is the only way it would fairly be done. Not to mention it is WAY more accurate.
I totally agree with Alan. I think that there should be government subsidized housing to help out those in need. I just think there are more economical ways about doing it. I'm not saying that government housing needs to be dumpy, cheap and in the ghetto (which I also live in Logan and concur that there in no ghetto there). I think that maybe an apartment building with middle of the line materials makes more sense than single family homes that are nicer than the home I pay a mortgage on. I know a lot of people who live in the springs and they are not single mothers or people "stuggling." Many of them are newly wed college students with no children living in 3-4 bedroom homes with two car garages. That just doesn't make any sense to me. What happened to saving our money and self relience? What happened to livining in a good 'ol basement appartment for a short time? There are needs and wants in this life and the spings are wants. Heck, I want to live there and our income minght even qualify. I just don't like to take advatage of a program I know I can live without. Luxury should be earned not given. By the sweat of thy brow....
The springs are a "great addition to the community" if you like your house being devalued becaus it was built next to it!
WOW, the process to get in is like getting a job for the government and if you have ANY criminal history the answer to your application is NO SIR AND THANK YOU !!!
as it should be, you also have to provide you social security number, so that barres all these mexican "americans" that are over running cache valley.
This program is the best thing since sliced bread for those that can and need to get approved.
Thank you to the good ol' USA government for having these tax breaks so people can have decent living quarters unlike a trailerpark where the kids throw balls at cars and swear at people as they pass by,, this community is A#1 CLASSY !!!!
I was wondering if anyone knew any info on this place. I have tried looking all ovedr the internet for it and cant find it anywhere. My husband and I are in desperate need of somewhere to live but can't afford regular rent. If someone could get me the info that would be amazing! Thank You!
The Springs have two locations. The first phase, made of individual 3-4 bedroom homes, is located at about 1250 W and 900 S. The second phase made of 3 bedroom duplexes is located at about 1700 S and 1200 W. The second phase office phone number is (435)787-4226.
In my opinion most of the families that live here have multiple children. A smaller number have one child. And an even smaller number have no children. Also I wouldn't exactly say these homes were top of the line. The contractors did things as cheap as possible. But it is great to have a yard for or son to play in.
I don't think the complaint about young newlywed students is neccessarily valid. Working full-time increases the length of time it takes to graduate and often has a negative effect on grades and two part-time incomes may not be enough to pay higher rent. I don't see anything with young newlyweds saving money by living in cheaper housing so that they can graduate sooner and with less debt. It's not like they're quitting jobs and dropping out of school because the housing has seduced them into a life of lazy indulgence.
And as for the "luxuries", why not? A lot of people in this type of housing have had difficult lives and circumstances for quite a while, why not give them something nice like a two car garage?
I think it's funny that you said: "I don't know who funds this project or where the money comes from, but to me it seems like a a misuse of taxpayers money."
Note the contradiction: "I don't know who funds this project...."
and then...
"a misuse of taxpayers money"
If you don't know where the money comes from, how then can you say that it is tax-payers that fund it?
Whatever the source, please do more research before saying such things. I know people who have been tremendously helped with housing such as this. I think it is a wonderful program.
How do you get more information on becoming a resident, I would love to show this to my daughter and her family if they qualify. Sounds like a good place to start and get on your feet.
I live in the springs... Its NOT for the elderly lol who ever said that needs to realise that the people living here ... are in their mid 20s early 30's. You can call the office at 435 787 4226.
My husband and I are currently living in The Springs, we are full-time students and both hold demanding jobs. We also qualify for enough federally awarded Pell Grants to provide us with debt-free education. Without living in government subsidized housing, there is no way that we could currently make ends meet. I am grateful for this program and the help it is giving us.
When my time comes that I no longer need the government to pay for my rent or education, I hope that I can be the kind of citizen that willingly pays my taxes so that others can have to same opportunities I had.
And while we do have some neighbors who are elderly, it is primarily filled with families, most of which have two young children with fathers completing Masters and PhDs. These are not people content on living off the government for the rest of their lives, but are people who are trying to better themselves.
The "luxury" is a problem because it's coming from taxpayer money and that is WRONG!
My husband and I have lived in the Springs property for almost three years now. We have two children, and getting through school has been a real challenge. He goes to school and works full time at a local grocery store. We are so grateful that this opportunity came up for us.
When we looked into moving here, it was explained to us that the purpose of these homes was to provide a springboard for people trying to get through college and then buy a home in the increasingly difficult economy. We had to make under 25,000/ year(with 3 people at the time). We could live here after school while working to save money, but the rate we had to pay went up a little. We pay 500/month, but after my husband graduated this May, we have been able to secure a good job and we are moving next month to a beautiful home in Lehi.
And as for these being "luxury" I don't know about that. I'm not going to lie, it is much nicer than anything we would have afforded, but they have bottom of the line everything, no frills. The main draw is the 1300 square ft., garage, and the tiny backyard, which by the way we mow, weed, edge, water, etc., and we pay the utilities.
Say what you want, but I think this is a great thing for many people.
These programs are great but they don't tell you that you have to jump through a million hoops just to be able to get qualified.
While I agree that everyone needs a helping hand once in a while, I do think that it is a little ridiculous for newlywed couples or young couples with no children to live there. What do they need 3 or 4 bedrooms for? There are a million basement apts. in Logan that would work very nicely for a couple with maybe one small child, but I wouldn't go much further than that. We have two school age children and a basment apt. would not work for us just because of size issues. A place like the Springs would work great, but they are full of college students that don't have children or may have only one child, and so we can't get in.
it is what it is, take it or leave it.
I also live in the springs I have two small children, my husband is a full time college student with a full time job, and other than being a stay at home mom, i work part time! Out of ALL of the neighbors around me, there is only one couple that does not have kids, and one grandmother.... All of my neighbors are either in school working hard, or working full time trying to get there lives on the track they want to be on! And no, they are not luxery, I Love living here, but there are so so so many issues we are constantly have to fix, repair, buy new... it was put together as the person put earlier bottom of the line!
And no, as someone also said before, tax payers do NOT pay for us to live here! The land was donated by a local family, and then an investor payed to have them built, and yes, they get a nice tax break for it! Nothing tax payers have to wory about!
If it was not for the springs, my husband and I would not be able to survive at this stage in our lives... that is with him continueing his education and going somewhere whith his life... Sure if he were to drop out we would be able to work more, make more, and afford higher rent, but we have major plans, and he is going somewhere, and will do something with his life!!!...
He hates to recieve all the help, but knows it's worth it, and when we are wealthy in our nice home we have purchaced we will pay into places like this so others can have the same opportunity we have had!!!
And as for the springs decreasing housing value, it is funny how our comunity looks better and nicer than the ones around us... yes, they do mow the front, but we take care of the back, and all the weeding, and yes all of our utilities!
For all those needing to contact the springs, The address is
1336 West 800 South
The number is (435)787-1774
goutahrentals.com
uaarentals.com
There is usually a 9-12 month waiting period to get in!
People i think that hate this, are just angry and resentful, and I don't think there is a Person alive that if given the opportunity for something like this would not jump at it! The people that live here are sweat kind careing giving and generous people, just like every one else! And we Love it here, it's not a perminant fixture, this is our "Temporary Home"!!!!!!!!!!
personally i think they are a great idea for when your young and just starting out like me im 21 years old with a 2 year old and another baby on the way that would be ideal for someone like me its cheap and a safe for my kids ya know what i think i think you need shut your trap have you ever heard of opening up your heart and helping others out and that is exactly what this place does it helps other people out!
We are moving into the Springs tomorrow, and although we had to income-qualify, we will still pay $642 a month plus all of our utilities. My husband and I will appear to be a couple without children, but we are currently in the early process to obtain custody of his daughter who needs a good home to grow up in.
There ARE a lot of basement apartments available in Logan, but most of the ones we've looked at are window-less dungeons, have spiders and bugs galore, or are so old you feel like the house is going to fall on you as you sleep. This is NOT the environment I want our daughter to grow up in.
Inexpensive housing is easy to come by here, but decent inexpensive housing is not; we were extremely fortunate to be able to move into The Springs, as it will help us financially, give us the ability to pay some of our debts like $75,000 in student loans, and help us sleep better at night knowing that our daughter is safe whenever she is with us. Her safety and our peace of mind are our top priorities, and thankfully The Springs will give us that for the time being.
Finally, you can't just income qualify then go out and make whatever income you want/can; income qualifying is reviewed annually. Also, the homes are inspected monthly whether or not the residents are home, which lessens the privacy, but is also understandable for subsidized housing.
I looked into this community and at first I didn't want to live there because I thought it was "low income housing" where the gov. pays part of your bill. But when I found out that it was a bunch of private investors I was relived that people still help each other. I am sure the tax break doesn't hurt but who doesn't go out of their way to keep the taxes you shouldn't pay in the first place. Are the luxuries a little much? Probably, I'm not sure why anybody in that situation needs granite counter tops or a two car garage, but look, it's private money and they can do whatever they want. They probably have good business skills and realized that when they wanted to stop what they are doing, resale would be much better doing it this way. I think it's sad that the mentality of our country is such that we think we "need" nice things and people shouldn't have to go through "that". It's good for people to struggle and fall because you respect what you earn much more than what is given to you. Now with that said, these are private individuals that want to help people out, they think this is the way to do it and I commend them for their actions. I think that if you didn't take advantage of what is around you, you are making a mistake. From what I hear from friends that live there, the owners make you tow the line, and tow it hard. You are in their community you will do what they want. I think that is reasonable.
I live in the Springs in Logan and you are way off. There are less than 200 between the two developments and less than half of those are single family houses, the rest are twin homes. They are not subsidized. As it has been mentioned investors built the property for low income based on government standards to receive a tax credit. I know that for the twin homes the were originally 60 units and the investors received over $900,000 in tax credits. The yards and properties are strictly monitored and maintained by the property management keep them nice and protect their investment as well as to avoid being unsightly to the rest of the community. Residence income is evaluated annually for qualification. Everyone who moves in is evaluated not only on income but also on background and merit. There are a few elderly couples, disabled families, widows, and others on a fix income living here but for the most part the people are made up of young growing families attempting to finish school. Almost everyone moves out the moment they graduate. My husband and I lived on campus at USU for four years while we did our undergraduate work. Now I am in the military and my husband is finishing his master's degree and we are expecting our 2nd child and 3rd child. My husband works two jobs and I work in the reserves but we just aren't making that much while in school. We have a goal to be out of The Springs within two years of our move in date. Just like everyone else here we are hard working people trying to better our situation so that we can move on as quickly as possible, not moochers that plan on being here forever.
I live in the Springs and have been since they became available. I am a single mom with two children, a full time job and am attending school full time. I graduate in June. I resent that you imply that the people who live in the Springs are worthless moochers taking advantage of "luxurios" apartments. I work hard 24/7 and I am greatful that I am able to live in apartments that are safe for me and my children. So before you post something that makes you look ignorant and oblivious to the truth, I would check my facts!!!
The Manager is a real Cupcake. I decided not to apply after dealing with her twice. Obviously the Manager's job title has gone to her head. The process to get a unit is pathetically difficult. Don't expect any help from the so-called "Manager." YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
So it's been 3 years since the Springs opened it's (privately subsidized NOT in any way/shape and/or form YOUR tax paying dollars at work) doors - do you think it's hurting the community? Changing your property value?
I'd LOVE to see the author of this blog post write a new review. Go for it - but first, please give HUD a call and educate yourself on Section 42 housing, then talk to the Property Manager regarding the ridiculously strict regulations and rules you are required to follow to follow in order to have tenancy there. Oh, and also read your comments because they are good.
This place is a tender mercy to so many families who are now able to set out in careers without a burden of debt holding them back in a rough economy. I wish this had been around when I was in college.
Authors Review of the Article 4 and a Half Years Later
OK. I'll make a new review in reply to the most recent "Anonymous" comment.
No, I don't think that the Springs has hurt the community. In fact I think they make a very good addition to the community. They are nice homes at very affordable price, and have some awesome families that live in them.
If I were in position where I had to choose between living in the "Springs" or a ghetto Logan apartment, I would choose the Springs. I have told several friends about them, and encouraged them to try and live there.
Are there people currently living in the springs that could afford to live elsewhere? Absolutely. Is this good for the "free market" housing market. No.
This article was written 4 and a half years ago. At that time the initial phase, the one with only single family homes, was still under construction. There was no "Springs at Logan River."
The Springs at Logan River, built as duplexes, on smaller lots, and in a less desirable area, are much more economical than the single family homes that occupied the initial phase. Both units accomplish the exact same purpose.
My argument, was that if Government Subsidized housing was going to be built, they should do it in the most economically efficient model possible.
Why build a house for $130,000, when you can build the same size unit in an apartment complex for $60,000?
I still don't know exactly how this project is funded. I'm not sure if it is section 42 housing, because section 42 doesn't allow full time students. Many of the people living in the springs are full time students.
If it is section 42 Housing, it is still Subsidized by the Federal Government.
What you don't understand is that "tax credits" ARE money from the Government. Sure a private developer may put up the upfront costs, but when the time comes for them to pay their taxes, they will essentially get a check from Uncle Sam. The Government ie...Tax Payer Dollars pay for it.
If it really is "not in any way/ shape/ or form" from tax payer dollars then I don't care at all what their units are like. If a private individual or company wants to help out the community, that is awesome. More power to them.
Knowing that there are all kinds of "ridiculous strict regulations" leads me to believe that the regulations are required by the government so the Private Developer to receive their tax credits.
So yes. The American Tax Payers do indeed pay the cost for a less efficient housing model. If the Government really had money to spend on housing to make the lives of college students better, then I wouldn't have a problem with "The Springs."
But the fact is that the federal government currently has 15 trillion dollars in debt. That translates to a per citizen debt of $48,123.
When we don't see the direct costs of money, we're a lot less likely to be careful with it.
This program is ridiculous. Talk about OVERBOARD. Not to mention the people who work there are CROOKED. They let people in all the time as personal favors! This is a government program and has good intentions but just promotes dependency. All the comments that are getting all huffy puffy about this know what I'm saying is true and just need to justify themselves.
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