How do you New Yorkers do it? — Page 3

I miss the cheap movie theater at Worldwide Plaza.

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"Kad, that was an extremely valid argument at one point in time. But that was before Duane Reade closed all the drug stores, Starbucks killed the coffee shops, a new Chase opened up on every corner and a million other chains took over this city. New York City isn't the same place it was 50 or even 15 years ago"

I wasn't thinking so much "kill the community" in terms of destroying all independent retailers in this instance- though I think that is a very valid issue in Brooklyn.

Stores like Wal-Mart are huge and can literally transform the area. They re-route traffic simply by being there. So much of New York is so tight and cramped- a massive store in most areas could have major detrimental effects to the immediate vicinity.

To say nothing of the homogenizing effects on local culture.

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Are the Mitchell-Lama buildings considered 80/20? I have a friend who got into one of those years ago. However, she said that if you were a single person, they forced you to take a studio apartment. You couldn't get a one or two bedroom.

The City Council deems middle class to be between $66,400 and $199,200.

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Updated On: 3/5/13 at 07:00 PM

Once a lousy troll always a troll.

To get back on topic, I never thought about how I did it. I took the step, tightened my belt when needed and did what had to be done.

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Updated On: 3/5/13 at 09:39 PM

Ok, Jane. You just blew my mind. I've always pictured you being someone in their early to mid 30's!

I get that a lot, Jordan. I don't look nor act my age and I'm glad of it. Now don't tell anyone, but I'm pretty sure I'm the oldest person on the board.

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If he's telling the truth, then yes, I think so!

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"To get back on topic, I never thought about how I did it. I took the step, tightened my belt when needed and did what had to be done."

I did the same SNAFU. I think we may be of an age. It might have been simpler then.

FYI: I was on food stamps decades ago for a few months. It wasn't impossible to get and was very helpful.

Updated On: 3/6/13 at 11:10 PM

It's a form of subsidized housing. The long and short is that if a landlord sets aside 20% of the units for low-income tenants then they get big tax subsidies. Tenants need to meet minimum and maximum income requirements. Once they are qualified then they are chosen through a lottery process. Most people spend several years going through the application and lottery process and then possibly sitting on a wait list.

You typically also have to prove each year that you still qualify for the subsidized rent. If you no longer qualify then you have the option of staying in your apartment, but the landlord can, and will, raise your rent to the unsubsidized rate.

I know a few people who've gotten into these situations and they go through a number of hoops to stay there. One friend won't officially add his husband to the lease, as their combined incomes would drive them over the maximum allowable income. I know people who've gotten into Broadway shows that didn't last long, but the money they made for those few months also drove them above the qualifying income levels and they have had to scramble to move once their financials were re-reviewed. So the 80/20 buildings can be both a blessing and a curse.