A report in the Altoona Mirror suggests that the authority announced a rent raise of $100 per month beginning on July 1st, for redisents of its pleasant hills development. The authority says it has not raised rent in more than 10 years, and calls the rent increase substantial but fair. Even with then rent increase, authority officials say that the rent will still be considered under fair market value. In all, 126 housing units will be affected by the rent increase. Some residents interviewed said they will look for other housing, while others said this will be a real hardship on them and their families. AHA Exec Dir Cheryl Johns said that increasing costs for natural gas, lawn care and trash removal service all contributed to the rent increase. And johns said that renovations will come along with the rent increase for roofs, kitchens, sidewalks and bathrooms.
