Thoughts on overcrowding

I thought your recent article on overcrowding (of residences) was very interesting (March 25).

A report by a group called Chicago-based Latinos United said that "code enforcement is ineffective because it does not take into account why people live in overcrowded dwellings." Well, did someone force two, three, four or five families to occupy one dwelling? The report fails to answer its own question as to why people do this.

The report goes on to state that the problem lies with exploitative landlords. I find it hard to believe that landlords want 20 people tearing up a two-bedroom apartment.

Then there's the question of fairness. If a single dwelling has, for example, eight or 10 children living in it, this places a burden on the school system. The property taxes paid by this single dwelling can't even begin to pay for the cost of educating these children. This means that other taxpayers will have to pay to cover the costs of "overcrowders" who violate occupancy codes.

Apparently the "overcrowders" feel that their fellow community members owe them a living. And isn't that the real problem with American today.

Herb Hupfer

Kildeer