["Not the Onion" urbanism news] Ex-Caltrain employee, contractor charged with building secret homes at train stations (www.mercurynews.com)

submitted 7 months ago by InevitableSwing@hexbear.net to c/urbanism@hexbear.net

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REDWOOD CITY — A former high-level employee and a one-time contractor for Caltrain have been charged with felonies after being accused of building themselves secret mini-apartments inside two Peninsula train stations, all on the taxpayers’ dime, according to authorities and court records.

[...]

One of the apartments — constructed inside Burlingame’s train station, built in 1894 and designated a historic landmark in California — reportedly featured a kitchen, shower, plumbing and security cameras. Prosecutors said the two defendants worked together to keep the invoices for the work below $3,000 each to avoid scrutiny and skirt procedures meant to discourage such fraud.

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[-] context@hexbear.net 22 points 7 months ago

building two new usable homes in the bay area for $50,000 total they should be lauded not punished

[-] regul@hexbear.net 15 points 7 months ago

Caltrain's whole route has these historic buildings that are completely unused. It's a sin that they're not doing this and charging rent to subsidize operations.

[-] Evilphd666@hexbear.net 14 points 7 months ago

Making a workplace a livable space shoukdn't be punished. People who work long hours and crazy shifts need a place to cook, take care of themselves, and feel at home. They do a vital service in keeping commerce and people moving.