On reading the Reporter’s recent article regarding the low-income families, I see no mention as to how and why these homes were never inspected by our local government. Is this how we treat our citizens and the children having to grow up in these appalling conditions? This sounds like something out of a Charles Dickens’ novel; I cannot believe this is what we allow to happen.

I know there are agencies that are trying to help. I am referring to the fact that this landlord was able to charge outrageous rents to people in need with no one to check on the facilities. It seems like a case of “Pull up the ladder Jack I am alright.” How these people sleep at night I will never know.

The city should step in and help these families that are in dire need. We can spend thousands on new parks but cannot help the needy. The parks are great but will these families ever be able to enjoy them?

There should be a system to make sure these types of apartments are inspected on a regular basis on safety issues alone. God forbid if there had been a fire. How many would have survived in a dilapidated building of this caliber?

Let’s just carry on building for the people that can afford high rents, with no thoughts for the families in need.

Carol Bailey

Bellevue