Category: Brookline Interactive Group

SPOA Housing Policy, Episode 10 – Professional Tenants Exposed

The conversation addresses the dangers posed by “professional tenants” who prey upon rental housing providers. Although they can often afford to pay rent, these types of tenants refuse to do so deliberately, in order to live rent-free at the expense of the property owner. They are also skilled in prolonging an already long eviction process, as they plan for the next place to live and the next property owner to victimize.

Investigative reporter Ryan Kath and producer Shira Stoll of NBC 10 News Boston discuss their three-part news story about Linda and Russell Callahan, a pair of professional tenants who have cheated numerous property owners in Massachusetts and elsewhere for 20 years.

Attorney Jordana Greenman provides legal analysis, while describing the tactics used by professional tenants to commit fraud. She also discusses how the system in Massachusetts overlooks — and even encourages — this nefarious behavior. Can the system be reformed, so that property owners won’t have to suffer in the shadows any longer?

SPOA Vice President, Amir Shahsavari, moderates the discussion.

Housing for All: For-profit and Nonprofit Developer Perspectives

Real Estate developers play a key role in determining how our land is used and what gets built in Brookline. Whether driven by profit motives, a mission, or some combination of the two, developers understand the economic factors that make development possible and the roadblocks that increase costs and limit housing production. Their success depends on aligning their own goals with the values of the communities that they serve.

In this forum, two accomplished developers, Zeina Talje and Amy Schectman, describe the hurdles they face as they plan and build multifamily homes, from project conception, permitting, and financing, to welcoming new neighbors.

Moderated by Cathleen Cavell and brought to you by Yes in Brookline and Brookline Interactive Group.