Residents question fairness of Manor Apartment fees

By Reed Carver

Three people, who are residents of the Manor Apartments in Leesburg, implored the board to do something about the increasing costs of housing during the public input session on Dec. 5. Two women spoke in Spanish through a translator. They attended the meeting with friends and family members.

Ana Ojuela was the first woman who spoke and said that she and others were pressed between working hard and meeting increasing costs associated with living at the Manor Apartments. The owners of the buildings instituted a $90 internet fee as of Nov. 1. Even though he said she did not need the internet service.

The apartments, she said, will not renew the contract if the residents do not accept the new fees. She was visibly upset. “Go there and see how they are at these apartments.” she said, fighting back tears. She said the situation felt like she was being choked financially.

Maria Rojas, speaking second, explained that their wages were making it difficult to pay for necessary living expenses. She also thought the mandatory internet bill was unfair.

Javier Castaneda was unable to attend because of his work schedule; his statement was read by a friend. Extra charges were added to their contracts on Nov. 1., he said, apart from rent. He suggested that a form of “social housing for the working class, to give us stability and control over our lives,” should be considered by the board.

Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) commented that the $90 charge was discussed at the last board meeting. The outcome was that the Loudoun legislative program can require the rents to be transparent.

An amendment to a law governing landlords can be made to prevent additional changes, and that will be sought in the future. The board, however, didn’t have the authority to directly address the immediate concerns, she said.