Kent Patch Readers React to Silver Oaks Eviction Notices

Residents of the 55-and-older retirement community on Horning Road were given a . Letters to residents indicated the community had been sold to Capstone Building Corp., a rental management firm from Birmingham, AL.

There are also rumors the allotment sold to the university to help house a record number of freshmen, but administrators deny involvement.

Close to 250 people live in the community, and many of you sounded off on our page. Here's what you had to say:

Kim Grimes

My Grandparents are in their mid 80's and have happily called Silver Oaks home for over 8 years. I think it is horrible what they are doing to these seniors! 60 days notice is nothing especially if there is no family to help in the search for a new home and then to help move!! Very sad situation!!!!

Frank Mueller 

60 days notice is ridiculous for tenants who have lived there for many years. Yet it is no surprise that unscrupulous investors are attracted to the Kent student housing market, seeing the university's emphasis on growing student numbers at any price. And KSU is not helping the situation with its plants to wreck the large Allerton apartment complex without any plans for replacement.

Harold Brown

My mother is eighty nine and lives at Silver Oaks and she has not been notified yet. I can not believe that management didn't know about this for awhile and to treat the Senior citizens this way is appalling. They have some wonderful people working their to assist the elderly, but someone just underscored that with 30 pieces of silver. Enjoy.

Jessica Johnson Salamon

It's not just having to move that is going to high inconvenience these seniors, rent in Kent is really high even for single bedroom apartments. They are going to have to readjust their budgets and expectations if they wish to remain local. This will also affect the other non-seniors who are seeking rental dwellings at the same time as this move out, I am sure there are more than a few landlords whose rent will vary in according to the increased demand for housing.

Diana Walters

What a travesty for those people living in Silver Oaks! My sister moved in only 3 months ago from a house in PA. Now after this short time she has to try to find another apt. to rent and repack all her belongings to move again. I feel sure that the staff knew of this deal at that time but told her she could sign a years lease?? Many of the elderly folks that live there have no one to help them find new lodging and/or help in packing and setting up a new place to live. No one at Kent State knew about all this??? I find that hard to believe as Kent State is very involved in what's happening in Kent. This whole thing stinks of dishonesty and unfair practices. I hope the city government gets involved to help out our senior citizens.

Chip Souza

I trust the community will organize to protect the seniors homes. Hopefully, there will be some college students that learn about the problem, and get involved, as well.

250 over age 65 given 60 day eviction notices? Did they think that no one would notice?

That's quite an impact for that kind of decision - in any size town.