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Low-Cost Housing Eliminated, But Nothing Built in Its Place
Lara West used to rent at Parkland Gardens in Arlington County. Developers bought the complex, but the 149 apartments have sat empty for about a year.
(By Katherine Frey -- The Washington Post)
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She says it is a pity that the apartments are vacant.
"It was a pretty convenient place for shopping and all that," she said. "It's so sad."
Beazer Homes, which bought the property, no longer has any involvement in the site, according to a company spokeswoman.
The two Arlington buildings -- the Hilltop and the Marlaine -- were purchased by Centex Homes. Karson, president of the local civic association, said the residents, including families with children, were told they had to leave by May, but the developer later gave families an extension so students could complete the school year. In March, Centex sold the vacant lots to a set of limited partnerships controlled by Lion Gables investment fund, Centex spokesman Eric Bruner said.
A spokesman for Lion Gables did not return messages seeking comment.
For some people forced to move, it has been a personal tragedy.
Gelhard, the retired Arlingtonian, soon found another apartment nearby, but the stress of the move took a toll. On the day she changed apartments, she collapsed into unconsciousness and had to be hospitalized for overexertion.
"The pressure" had gotten to her, she said. "The doctor said, 'It's too much for you.' . . . It was hard for everybody."
