$1.3billionGlobeSt.com

Jackson said he had closed the door on the Clipper bid, but thatdidn't mean Clipper couldn't try knocking for admittance. The firmwould need to explain in detail how it planned to keep the46-building complex affordable at a purchase price that factors outto more than twice what residents currently pay.

"We remain convinced that we can provide the assurances thatSecretary Jackson, and other officials, responsibly require. Weagree totally that affordability is a defining core value atStarrett City. This will not change," a spokesperson for Clippersays. "We ask only that we be given a fair opportunity to presentour fully detailed plan to achieve that goal, and we are gratefulthat the Secretary has said he will listen to our proposal. We areconfident, that after appropriate scrutiny and review, theSecretary and others will join with us in believing that ourapproach is not only sound and achievable, but is also the rightplan for maintaining the affordability, and the quality of life atStarrett City, that we all so greatly value."