Silver Oaks Residents Want Answers, Gather Petition Signatures

For many of the residents living in , neighbors are the only family they have, which is why it's so important they fight to keep their homes.

They gathered at their community room Tuesday night to form a plan to combat the from Capstone Development Corp. — a company based in Birmingham, AL, with plans to renovate the property and turn it into student housing. A petition was started by eight-year resident Bob Parrish and was passed around the room that was filled with close to 100 people. There are 250 residents in the community.

"A lot of us thought this would be our last home," said an emotional Parrish. "This is the only family a lot of us have. It's a fellowship. We become friends and it's really important to not feel isolated and alone."

Tensions were visibly high throughout the room and the residents nodded in agreement to Parrish's statement.

"We agree to remain indefinitely in our home until we pass from this life," Parrish said. "There was no forewarning of the closing of Silver Oaks."

Several residents mentioned the fact that a community luncheon was hosted by management the day before the letter from Capstone was mailed out, and not one word of the buyout was mentioned.

"Many of us are former taxpayers to the city," said one resident. "But now we are expendable to the city of Kent because we don't pay taxes."

Nine-year resident Ellen Minkin said the same day she found out about the eviction was the same day her employer said there could be more layoffs.

"This is a nightmare," she said. "It's sad and it's tragic. It's all about money. I stayed up all last night and I cried. I thought 'What if I do have to pack everything up and give it away to move somewhere else? I'm giving away what made Ellen all these years. I'm going to give my life away.'"

Since the letter was released, Minkin has been making calls to several agencies and state politicians for help. She told residents she's made them aware of their situation and will constantly follow up for more information. In the meantime, two other residents have secured the help of attorney Avery Friedman. He said if everyone paid him $10 each, he would do everything in his power to secure their homes for at least a year if not indefinitely. The crowd was pleased.

Several residents said they can't find anywhere in the area to live that is similar to Silver Oaks — a 55-and-older adults-only community. Many residents have called places but are told there is a waiting list of two years.

In a statement from , the company agreed to help residents find housing. They also agreed to help pack and pay moving expenses. That statement is attached to this story in the media section. Capstone also agreed to set up a   website for people to ask questions. Or residents can call Tonya Neumeier at 512-230-2516.

Ward 6 Councilwoman Tracy Wallach and at-Large Councilman Robin Turner were in attendance. The community sits in Wallach's ward. Both council members said the city was unaware of Capstone's plans until last Friday, but they both agreed to help in any way possible.

"Capstone does not need a zoning variance to renovate this property," Wallach said. "It's zoned high density. This used to be student housing before it was Silver Oaks and they can build whatever they want on it."

"We were stunned and overwhelmed to hear about what is transpiring here," Turner said. "We are going to stand with you to fight. At our next meeting, council will look to approve a resolution of support for you because while we believe students are important to this city, so are you."

He added, "We can't guarantee the outcome, but we can guarantee the fight."

The petition, which will be circulated through the community by volunteers, states the following:

"We the undersigned members of the Silver Oaks community that have been here for up to 29 years as taxpaying citizens do agree:

• To remain indefinitely in our home until I pass from this life ('til I die)

• There is limited facilities for 200 people to move within the area, except assisted living or nursing homes, which is prohibited for the vast majority of us. Therefore, we demand the right to stay in our homes and community.

• There was no forewarning of the closing of Silver Oaks.

• We are a stable and contributing community far more than transient students.

• For many of us at Silver Oaks fellow tenants are the only family we have.

• New student housing already exists and new housing has been approved by the city of kent and presents competition.

• World War II, Korean and Vietnam veterans live in the Silver Oaks community. Is this bombshell any way to honor those who have served America?"