“Poetic justice” in South Florida’s foreclosure crisis

South Florida’s high foreclosure rate is having an unusual side effect on its poor residents: luxury living. According to the Sun Sentinel, McMansions, boasting pools, three-car garages and guard houses, are increasing being rented by Section 8 aid recipients. Some of the properties are being rented by owners attempting to earn enough from federal housing vouchers to escape foreclosure, while others are snapped up at auction by landlords looking for an easy profit.

However, South Florida’s exclusive communities, such as Coral Springs, Miramar and Cooper City are fighting back. The Coral Springs homeowner’s association adopted a statute stating that within the neighborhood, “No Section 8 or government leasing assistance is permitted.”  The measure is now being challenged in court for discrimination.

“We’ve seen some really amazing houses,” said Judith Aigen, executive director of the Boca Raton Housing Authority.  Dorothy Ellington, president of the Delray Beach Housing Authority, went as far to call the situation “poetic justice.” [Sun Sentinel] – Christopher Cameron