A Tale of Two Recoveries: Separate and Unequal

Transcription

1 A Tale of Two Recoveries: Separate and Unequal Bank of America Fails to Maintain Foreclosures in Minneapolis, MN s Communities of Color NATIONAL FAIR HOUSING ALLIANCE Shanna Smith 1

2 Minneapolis Milwaukee Grand Rapids Metro Chicago 10 Cities Gary Indianapolis Suburban Detroit Cleveland Toledo Dayton Newark Philadelphia Vallejo Richmond Oakland Las Vegas Denver Kansas City Columbus Baltimore Prince George s County Washington, DC Memphis Phoenix Tucson Dallas Atlanta Charleston This maps shows all the cities where complaints against Bank of America are alleging poor maintenance in African American and Latino neighborhoods across the U.S.A. The red stars show new cities being added to the complaint in August The yellow stars show cities already in the complaint against Bank of America with new evidence. New Orleans Tampa Orlando Miami 2 2

3 Methodology Used to Investigate Bank of America Foreclosures 3

4 Methodology for Investigation Neighborhoods selected for investigations were 50% or greater: Majority African American Majority Latino Majority Non-White Majority White Neighborhoods selected had high number of foreclosed homes owned or under the control of Bank of America in the zip codes evaluated. 100% of Bank of America s REOs were evaluated within the zip codes. 4

5 Evaluation Measures Curb Appeal Accumulated mail, trash, overgrown or dead grass/shrubbery, invasive plants Structure Unsecured/broken doors, locks, windows, damaged roof, fence, deck, holes, wood rot Signage Trespass/warning signs, bank owned Auction and For Sale signs, broken/discarded signs, unauthorized occupancy 5

6 Evaluation Measures Paint/Siding Graffiti, severe peeling/chipped paint, damaged siding, missing/broken shutters Gutters Missing, out of place, broken, hanging, obstructed Water Damage Mold, discoloration, water damage, erosion Utilities Tampered with or exposed 6

7 National Data on Investigations 7

8 Bank of America Nationwide Data The investigation encompasses 30 metropolitan areas including 201 cities. Zip codes within each city were identified and every Bank of America foreclosure in those zip codes were investigated. 85 cities with predominately African American or Latino neighborhoods 116 cities with predominately White neighborhoods The Fair Housing Partnership investigated 1,267 Bank of America foreclosures: 567 in African American neighborhoods 130 in Latino neighborhoods 147 in Majority Non-White neighborhoods 423 in White neighborhoods 8

9 Minneapolis Data Between May 2014 and October 2015, the National Fair Housing Alliance investigated 19 Bank of America foreclosures in communities of color and White neighborhoods in Minneapolis. Of these 19 Bank of America foreclosures, 4 were located in African American neighborhoods 6 were located in Majority Non-White neighborhoods 9 were located in White neighborhoods 9

10 The National Fair Housing Alliance s HUD complaint against Bank of America alleges discriminatory treatment in its maintenance of its foreclosed homes in communities of color as compared to its properties in White neighborhoods. This map show the poor quality of maintenance in communities of color. 10

11 Racial Disparities Evidence showing Bank of America fails to maintain and market its foreclosures in communities of color as compared to maintaining its foreclosure in White neighborhoods. 11

12 Minneapolis Racial Disparities 50.0% or 5 of the 10 Bank of America foreclosures in communities of color had 10 or more maintenance or marketing deficiencies, while only 11.1% or 1 of the 9 foreclosures in White neighborhoods had 10 or more deficiencies. 90.0% or 9 of the Bank of America foreclosures in communities of color had overgrown grass or accumulated dead leaves, while only 11.1% or 1 of the foreclosures in White neighborhoods did. 60.0% or 6 of the Bank of America foreclosures in communities of color had broken or boarded windows, while only 11.1% or 1 of the foreclosures in White neighborhoods had the same problem. 90.0% or 9 of the Bank of America foreclosures in communities of color had no professional for sale sign marketing the home, while only 55.6% or 5 of the properties in White neighborhoods had the same problem. 12

13 Health and Safety Concerns American Heart Association National Center for Healthy Housing How foreclosed homes and used tires can threaten public health in the age of Zika. Washington Post Sonia Shah July 29,

14 Mosquito breeding grounds: These breeding grounds are found at too many foreclosed homes in communities of color across America simply because banks fail to do routine maintenance. 14

15 How foreclosed homes and used tires can threaten public health in the age of Zika. Washington Post July 29, 2016 Just such an epidemic occurred in 2009, when dengue broke out in Florida. When Florida Keys mosquito-control expert, Lawrence Hribar, explained what had happened, he didn t point to an invasion of bugs or infected people. He began his explanation with the following: There were houses in foreclosure. The housing crisis forced 3.1 million American properties into foreclosure in 2008 alone, leaving behind a rash of abandoned homes and neighborhoods that have yet to be fully re-occupied. Even today, there are more than 1 million abandoned properties across the country, and Florida counts more zombie closures than almost every other state. And their neglect amplifies and spreads vectors of disease even more effectively than the wild landscapes they replaced. 15

16 Today, abandoned properties and deteriorating infrastructure, brought on by housing crises and climate change, similarly threaten us with epidemics of mosquito-borne pathogens such as Zika. first critically acknowledging and assessing our role in bringing about the conditions driving epidemics, whether abandoned homes or neglected neighborhoods, aging infrastructure or trade patterns. And then we would need to enlist a response not just from the biomedical establishment but from all sectors of society, from consumers to banks to builders. 16

17 Health and Safety Impact on Neighbors Living by Foreclosed Properties. Studies indicate that people living next to or near foreclosed homes suffer from stress, high blood pressure, asthma, and anxiety. People report feeling their neighborhood is stigmatized by a foreclosed home even a well-maintained foreclosure. These health conditions have to be intensified when you live next to a poorly maintained foreclosure with boarded windows, unlocked doors, graffiti, dead animals or trash left on the property. Bank of America is guilty of allowing these conditions to fester at its poorly maintained foreclosed homes in communities of color across the United States.

18 American Heart Association The American Heart Association examined families living in an upper middle class neighborhood outside of Boston where there was one well-maintained foreclosed home. AHA found: The increases in blood pressure observed could be due in part to unhealthy stress from residents perception that their own properties are less valuable, their streets less attractive or safe and their neighborhood less stable, said Mariana Arcaya, Sc.D., M.C.P. Safety could also be a concern that affects their ability to exercise in these neighborhoods. Because the study involved predominately white, middle-class, suburban neighborhoods with singlefamily homes, research on different populations in urban and rural settings is needed, Arcaya said. 18

19 The Impact of Vacancy on Health. According to the National Center for Healthy Housing... 19

20 Increase in Crime Abandoned homes and vacant buildings cause rapid neighborhood decay and blight. (Broken Window Theory) Residents feel unsafe walking on streets with boarded homes, broken windows, unsecured doors. 20

21 Poor Quality of Life Boarded up housing and vacancies contribute to social isolation, anxiety, and feelings of stigmatization. Residents fear of crime in neighborhoods with high vacancy rates may cause significant barriers to exercise and physical activity. 21

22 Unsafe Neighborhood Unattended and unmaintained properties result in: Illegal dumping and rodent infestation 22

23 Health Risks Another slide Vacancy, along with other housing indicators, is associated with pre-term birth and poor birth outcomes that can increase the risk of developing other diseases, such as asthma, later in life. 23

24 Bank of America s Failure to Maintain Foreclosures in Minneapolis Communities of Color A Stark Tale of Two Recoveries: Separate and Unequal 24

25 Bank of America s Failure to Maintain Foreclosures in Minneapolis Communities of Color A Stark Tale of Two Recoveries: Separate and Unequal 25

26 Bank of America Foreclosures in Communities of Color and White Neighborhoods 2012 and 2016 Unfortunately for the communities of color in Minneapolis, Bank of America consistently neglected to maintain the its foreclosures in 2014 and The photos you see in this PowerPoint document the same problems of failed maintenance from 2014 and Additionally, the exact same discriminatory patterns in Minneapolis are replicated in all the cities that were investigated by the National Fair Housing Alliance and the fair housing partnership across the United States. 26

27 Bank of America s Poorly Maintained Foreclosures in Communities of Color 27

28 This Bank of America foreclosure is located in an African American neighborhood. From the curb a boarded window is visible, and many more maintenance issues appear as a closer look is taken. 28

29 There is no screen door covering the front door, and the locks and doorknob have been removed. There is also a sign on the front door stating that there is mold inside the home. 29

30 There is also mold and algae growing on the outside of this Bank of America foreclosure. 30

31 Bank of America is actively marketing this home with significant amounts of trash located throughout the property. How can Bank of America even think this is an appropriate way to market a home? 31

32 Bank of America allowed multiple broken and boarded windows to remain on the forelclosure creating blight for the entire neighborhood. 32

33 These neighbors are taking great care of their homes and yards, but must live next to the eyesore Bank of America has created for their community. 33

34 This Bank of America foreclosure is located in an African American neighborhood. There was no for sale sign, and the property had overgrown grass and shrubbery, obstructed gutters, and more. 34

35 Invasive plants are spilling out of the gutters - it is clear that Bank of America has neglected to clean the gutters for a long time. 35

36 In addition to failing to clean the home s gutters, Bank of America has also neglected the home s shrubbery, allowing it to grow uncontrollably and encroach into the neighbor's yard. 36

37 The backyard s grass and shrubbery are also very overgrown creating a perfect nesting place for rats, mice and snakes. How does Bank of America expect to market this home to an owner-occupant when it is in this condition? 37

38 Overgrown weeds and shrubs are found all the way into the alley of the property Bank of America has not properly maintained a single area of this home. 38

39 39 Here is another Bank of America foreclosure in a community of color. Once again there is no for sale sign. The front yard appears to be mowed. However, let s move to the back of the home

40 A peak from the side of the property shows that the backyard is overgrown and covered in trash and debris and dead leaves. 40

41 The backyard is severely overgrown and neglected by Bank of America. 41

42 A back window is broken out, allowing vandals and vagrants into the home and putting the neighbors at risk. 42

43 More trash and debris is laying in the back of the home near the garage and alley. This pile is a perfect place for rodents and insects to nest. 43

44 The neighbors have well-maintained, but must live next to this unsecured and unkempt Bank of America foreclosure. 44

45 Yet another Bank of America property in a community of color with no for sale sign. This property had trash, damaged steps and fences, dead shrubbery, and more. 45

46 The steps leading up to the front door are damaged, discouraging a potential homebuyer from purchasing this home from the curb. 46

47 The back of the home has a ramp leading to the back door, and Bank of America has neglected the grass and allowed it to grow through the wooden planks of the ramp. 47

48 Bank of America picked up dead tree branches but instead of disposing of them, they threw them in the backyard. 48

49 Bank of America has also dumped trash in the backyard instead of removing it properly. It sits atop large amounts of fallen leaves and makes the yard look unappealing for anyone thinking of buying the home. 49

50 How does Bank of America maintain its foreclosures in White neighborhoods? Is the grass cut? Are the shrubs trimmed? Did the bank remove all trash and debris from the property? 50

51 Let s take a look at a Bank of America foreclosure in a White neighborhood. This home has a professional for sale sign in the front yard and has minimal leaves in the yard even though it is October. 51

52 There are some leaves accumulating on the roof, but the porch is clean, no trash is left behind from former owners and the back door is securely locked with a lockbox in place. 52

53 The backyard is clean and presentable with no trash or debris. No windows are boarded and the grass is not overgrown. Bank of America has taken good care of this property s maintenance. 53

54 Here is another Bank of America foreclosure in a White neighborhood. This home has great curb appeal, with a professional for sale sign in the front yard. The yard is mowed and clean and is very inviting to potential homebuyers. 54

55 The side of the home is clear of trash and debris and has minimal accumulated leaves. 55

56 Bank of America has no problem keeping this large backyard clean and mowed. 56

57 This modest Bank of America foreclosure in a White neighborhood has a mowed lawn and for sale sign. 57

58 The back yard grass is cut and edged and no invasive plants have been allowed to grow. 58

59 The garage are is clean and the door is secured. 59

60 Bank of America has taken great care of this home. The lawn is mowed and there is a professional for sale sign in the yard. 60

61 Bank of America has made sure the back yard is as attractive as the front yard. This foreclosure has great curb appeal. Nothing the former owners left behind has been left in the yard. 61

62 Tale of Two Recoveries: Separate and Unequal Bank of America fails to take care of its foreclosed homes in communities of color. 62