Despite the nonstop demand for rentals, those who build and bankroll apartments remain concerned about a possible oversupply bubble, especially for luxury units.

The move signals Lampert remains committed to bankrolling Sears, even as the business suffers from dwindling sales and billions in red ink.

Second, an infrastructure program should be a partnership, bankrolled by federal, state, local and also private funds, with the mix depending on the project.