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“Governor Baker’s statewide stay-at-home advisory is the right thing to do. The coronavirus represents a threat to our public health unlike anything any of us have seen before. None of us is immune to it and it spreads like wildfire. If we don’t take social distancing seriously and stay at home as much as is possible, this disease will overwhelm our healthcare system, creating a crisis for anybody with any kind of medical condition. The Governor today took a vital step to protect the people of Massachusetts. Now it is up to each of us to do our best to keep COVID-19 in check. This is a test we can only pass by working together. People’s lives hinge on each of our actions.
We understand these decisions bring hardship to so many of us. Our economy is grinding to a near-halt and people suddenly find themselves out of a job. That’s why a critical element of stay-at-home must be that everyone can stay in their homes. The state must suspend evictions and foreclosures. A rent freeze or rental assistance – both residential and for small businesses – also may become necessities. Our state government must be ready to act swiftly to give people the peace of mind that their housing is assured and that we have jobs to return to on the other side of this emergency. Government must safeguard everybody during this crisis so that each of us can take the necessary steps to protect each other.
Cities and towns across the state will need State and Federal assistance as well to address food and other critical needs for our most vulnerable residents – and those newly thrust into financial insecurity by the crisis. Our local hospitals also need financial support in addition to protective equipment. I applaud the state for helping to connect volunteers and workers to emerging needs and jobs. We will be looking to the State to also provide coordinated assistance with distance learning, mental health and recovery supports, and other needs brought on by the crisis.
The Governor also must unite the rest of New England in this common purpose. The virus is not held back by state lines. Our neighboring states must also act swiftly to establish Stay at Home orders as other impacted regions have done. Social distancing will save the most lives if we’re working off the same page.
We understand the uncertainty and apprehension people are feeling. This is no ordinary time. For many of us, we can’t believe what’s happening, can’t fathom that we’re now dealing with the kind of epidemics that befell our grandparents and great grandparents. Until recent weeks or even days, it was the stuff of history books.
And, yet, here we are, engaged in a battle we can win but only if we pull together and make sacrifices we never contemplated having to make. Like the simple act of staying home. Everyone. Statewide. New England-wide. Now.”
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Dear Mayer Joe,
Thanks for pandering instead of solving the problem. Sure, stop all rent, but for homeowners?
“Will penalties and interest be waived on late tax, excise, and water bill payments due to shutdown?
No. By operation of law, bills are considered paid when received by the Treasurer. Postmark dates on envelopes are not accepted as the date of payment. All payments are to be received by the Treasury office by the due date. Late payments will incur interest/penalties. Real Estate, Personal Property and Water outstanding balances are subject to 14% interest according to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59, sections 57 and 57C. The Tax Title interest rate is 16% under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 60, section 62. Excise interest rate is 12% under MGL 60A, section 2.”
So, you continue to collect taxes etc from us homeowners, but you tell renters it’s a total free-for-all. NICE. Hope all those renters come out to vote for you, because people that make actual investments in the community–the homeowners–see your pandering and hate it.
I equate the City of Somerville and the city councilors to the Titanic. They will save everyone but property owners. We will go down with the ship.
A rent freeze is not only fair but also vital for so many people who are scrambling for their very existence during this unprecedented catastrophe we are all going through. The greedy and socially irresponsible grumblers can grumble all they want, but this is a dire emergency and bitching about having to pay your water bill or your fair share of taxes doesn’t impress anyone. It will, however, once again put a spotlight on your uselessness as a pretended member of civilized society. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Should we all assume the “rent freeze” will also include developments such as Maxwells Green and Assembly Row?
All burdens should be shared equitably. Name calling is not necessary and I just don’t understand the anger to those who took on the responsibility of owning property. If you read the two comments issue was taken with the City’s approach, not with helping people. Rent help should be income based, not universal since many people are working from home and earning money for rent. For those low income renters the money should come from government (with its large tax base), to help them, not individual homeowners. Helping those in need is a shared burden for all in this society. Including you.
Hopefully won’t fall upon the property owners. Many are just getting by with the high prices and making the mortgage each month. Both need to work together. If the house gets foreclosed on then both lose. I do not see the banks stepping up on their own yet to help. If they are I am sorry for that. This has to be an everyone effort. No other way.
I assume the state would do rental assistance rather than a rent freeze and that only those collecting unemployment would be eligible.
There are some landlords already doing their part on their own at this very moment for their tenants. Not all are greedy. And yes, some are greedy and some are paying more than the tenants. If they are not making money they can’t pay the bills either. No way to make it fair but to ask people to do their best. At least it will be a start.
Let’s stop perpetuating the “party line” that property owners are evil, greedy and against tenants. They wouldn’t rent property if they were against renters. It’s in their best interest to ensure that the tenants are safe and stay in their units. For the city and the councilor to continually use propaganda against a group of people, property owners, continues to divide the city.
Here’s an exercise for everyone, take the diatribes from our councilors and mayor, replace the word landlord with tenant and then you’ll see how they are trying to divide us.