Protecting Our Own

Like small businesses in Harvard Square, affordable housing in Cambridge may be in danger of becoming extinct. In the wake of the elimination of rent control, more and more owners--by paying off federally-subsidized mortgages contingent on allocating low-cost housing units--are raising the rent to virtually force out low- and moderate-income tenants. Those who reside in such units in 929 House on Mass. Ave. might soon be the next victims of this troubling trend. A Connecticut-based company recently announced its plans to buy the property and gradually phase out the building's 57 low-cost housing units.

The City Council has reacted vociferously, voting unanimously last week to examine the possibility of taking over the property by paying the owners market price. Thus far, the company has refused to negotiate the terms of its bid, already rejecting a previous proposal in which the city offered to pay $2.3 million if all affordable units were retained.

It has yet to be determined whether there is room for further negotiations, or if the city should simply purchase the building. Nevertheless, the resolution is a sign the City Council is acutely aware of a very real and serious housing crisis. As rents in Cambridge have skyrocketed in recent years, due to a booming housing market and declining federal housing subsidies, the few affordable housing units that remain have become increasingly important.

Ignoring this problem would effectively drive out those citizens who help give Cambridge its distinct and diverse character. The loss of those who primarily benefit from low-cost units--the elderly and disabled, single working mothers, retired long-time residents and other low-income residents--would be a critical blow to Cambridge's vibrant political activism.

Many of us at Harvard love Cambridge precisely because of its rich urban experience. Just as we wouldn't want our beloved Square to be replaced by a row of chain stores owned by the Gap, we would all suffer if Cambridge's inhabitants all became members of the corporate elite.

As much as we would like to laud the capitalist system, the City of Cambridge must fulfill its duty to protect those who might not be able to meet the exorbitant rent rates determined by the market. But as federal dollars for affordable housing have declined since 1994, the city will need help from above. Rep. Michael C. Capuano (D Somerville) has vowed to take the fight to Washington. We will hold him to his word.