Tough luck, middle class

I was reading an article about yet another developer that has come hat in hand asking for additional tax breaks for yet another New York haven in Downtown Jersey City. In light of the fact that this developer (K. Hovnanian) has already received abatements, I feel it should be out of the question to allow additional ones. The "residents" of Jersey City pay huge property taxes. Why are developers getting tax breaks to invest in prime real estate? Most "residents" cannot afford to rent, much less buy, in Downtown Jersey City.

When I first heard about the revitalization of Downtown, I was excited. I thought that I might purchase something for my family. Unfortunately, the early prices were outrageous even for my middle-class salary. While the prices have come down, I still feel they are inflated.

Anther question: Where is all the affordable housing? The low-income residents have it. The New Yorkers are moving over here to get it. What about the forgotten Jersey City middle class? A friend told me about middle-income housing at one of the newer developments. When I called, I was told that I was nowhere near middle income and that to qualify, a person of my salary would have to have at least six children! This person explained that they use the same income standards as Fannie Mae. Six children would have put me on par with low-income families. Therefore, there is no such thing as middle-income housing.

Everyone depends on the tax money of the middle-income earners to build things and to fund programs. How come middle-income earners are never able to take advantage of the fruits of our labor?

If these developers want tax abatements, we should force them to make "real" middle-income housing available to Jersey City "residents." Why must we always be the cow that is constantly giving away the milk for free!...