Section 8, or low-income housing assistance, is expanding in South Florida because of the foreclosure crisis, but homeowners in some middle and upper class neighborhoods are concerned about their new neighbors.
"It tends to lower the standard," said Colbert Cohen. "It might sound unfair because people are struggling and all that, but at the same time, I don't think it is good for the neighborhood."
"We have lived here for 10 years and it is a great neighborhood. Nice, middle class neighborhood," said Janet Anchell.
Anchell said she was keeping an open mind to the idea but was still concerned.
"I wonder what it would do to our property value, to the equity that we have in the house, and also the upkeep of that house as it relates to the whole neighborhood," said Anchell.
'We just don't want our neighborhood run down with lower-income people coming in and tearing up the neighborhood and stuff," said Ralph White.
'We have bought these houses for a lots of money, quite a lot. We have already depreciated and to Section 8 next door, no," said Mary Samuels.
Local 10 found more residents with Section 8 housing were moving into gated neighborhoods in cities like Pembroke Pines and Coral Springs. In The Isles, a woman and her nine children moved into a 4-bedroom, 2-and-a-half bath home that was approved for Section 8, but the homeowners association was threatening to evict her.
The association wants to adopt an amendment stating, "No Section 8 or government leasing assistance is permitted."
But attorney Dennis Eisinger said that may be illegal.
"Economic criteria is not a criteria for a community association to deny a prospect," said Eisinger.
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