Page 26 - Arlington - LIHTC Review Procedures 2017 - Gibbins Rd. 7.12.17

1.a. Evidence of lower crime rates in comparison to similar properties in the community.
MYTH: Affordable housing will increase crime in the community and bring in undesirable residents.
REALITY: Affordable housing can help a community maintain a stable population by making it easier to retain people who already live and work there. There is no evidence that affordable housing brings crime to a neighborhood. In fact, affordable housing, as a tool of economic development, can often help to lower crime rates. The National Crime Prevention Council calls for the construction of affordable housing to reduce crime because “neighborhood cohesion and economic stability are enhanced in areas where the continuing supply of dispersed, affordable housing is assured.”

Whether a development will be an asset or a detriment to a community more often turns on basic management practices: careful screening, prudent security measures, and regular upkeep. Most affordable housing residents are seeking safe and decent housing that will allow them to live self- sufficient lives in a good community.

OPG historically has a very good track record of managing properties. As mentioned above, good management practices and proper screening goes a long ways towards a safe community.
Obviously crime can occur anywhere, at any time — and at any income level, However crime rates at senior living communities are generally much lower than other types of housing.
However, the following pages reflect the past 12 months of police activity at 5 OPG communities in Texas. These properties are all low-income and are multi- family and not senior living. The results can be verified at www.crimereports.com and simply entering a property address.