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July 28, 1981
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<br />ent on each other. Although we have made tremendous progress with
<br />have not provided the number and the quality of housing units that
<br />today.
<br />
<br />economic development, we
<br />ere needed in Portsmouth
<br />
<br /> In this year of 1981, the citizens of Portsmouth, Virginia are confronting obstacles to
<br />being a progressive and responsive c'ity for all of its citizens.
<br />
<br /> Notwithstanding the fact that all citizens of Portsmouth are taxpayers directly or in-
<br />directly, there still exist a feeling of taxation without representation within a large seg-
<br />ment of this city. This segment, all part and parcel, pay taxes on food, clothes, personal
<br />needs, personal property and real property. However, whenever the need arises for considera-
<br />tion and reciprocity, a dark cloud appears.
<br />
<br /> Within the 1st year and half, we have witnessed a vicious and callous assault on the less
<br />fortunate of our community. We have witnessed people of a certain mentality proclaim that our
<br />city does not need additional subsidized housing. To these people, we submit that sub§idies
<br />come in many forms. The interest one is allowed to deduct when filing his or her income taxc
<br />the assistance veterans and their families rec.eive when purchasing a home and the other numer-
<br />ous programs available are all forms of subsidies.
<br />
<br /> There have been numerous projects and programs which have been implemented with the
<br />assistance of both the City of Portsmouth and Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
<br />Southside,. Mount Hermon, Craddock, Truxton, Olde Town and Park View are prime examples of how
<br />a subsidy can be a plus.
<br />
<br /> Notwithstanding the positive contributions the aforementioned programs have brought to
<br />this city, Council is about to embark on a road which will draStically restrict the power,
<br />authority and existence of the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Before Council
<br />travels this road, we ask that you re-examine the inter-locking relationship which exists
<br />between Portsmouth, the Housing Authority, the State of Virginia and the United States Govern-
<br />menn. By state law, the Housing Authority must exist within a certain structure in order that
<br />it may act as an agent for the City of Portsmouth. Also, only with a commission such as the
<br />Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority will the City be eligible for various kinds of
<br />federal aid and assistance.
<br />
<br /> We raise these points of information because if the Authority withdraws its appeal, then
<br />it is conceding that it lacks the power and the authority to implement programs such as the
<br />ones already existing. We also submit that if the appeal ~s withdrawn, it would be very
<br />difficult and arduous to construct new housing units in non-impacted areas. Also, the flexi-
<br />bility that the Authority has with respect to the preselection procedure will become extinct.
<br />
<br /> In light of the above we, as concerned citizens of this city, demand that Council not
<br />become a ~ictim of 'the politics of fear'. Since, 'These are the times that try men and wo
<br />souls', the Central Civic Eorum submits to the members of the Council the following
<br />
<br />'WHEREAS, the City of Portsmouth is an All America City; and
<br />
<br /> WHEREAS, its principles and goals for the health, welfare, and security should be
<br />in keeping with the spirit of an All ~merica City; and
<br />
<br /> WHEREAS, the officials of Portsmouth should be concerned for the health, welfare and
<br />security of all citizens, regardless of race, creed, color or social-economic status in
<br />Portsmouth; and
<br />
<br /> WHEREAS, the demand for additional housing in the future is projected to far exceed the
<br />existing level of supply; and
<br />
<br /> WHEREAS, the need for additional housing for low and middle income citizens in the City
<br />of Poztsmouth has not been met; and
<br />
<br /> WHEREAS, the Portsmouth Central Forum recognizes that the many positive efforts of the
<br />Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority have greatly assisted in the upgrading, modern-
<br />ization, and revitilization of our city; and
<br />
<br /> WHEREAS, the Portsmouth Central Civic
<br />PRHA, the Planning Commission and officials
<br />needs of the City; and
<br />
<br />Forum believes that actions taken in the past by
<br />of the City have alleviated many of the housing
<br />
<br /> WHEREAS, the short term and long range plans for housing needs for its citizens should
<br />be of the utmost concern of the officials and all of its citizens; and
<br />
<br /> WHEREAS, the redevelopment, rehabilitation and constructional efforts over the past de-
<br />cade have not kept pace wit~ the demand.
<br />
<br />NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Portsmouth Central Civic Forum recommends that:
<br />
<br />1. The Council not adopt the resolution which was directed to be prepared by
<br /> the City Manager with respect to PRHA withdrawing the pending Court appeal
<br /> to the State Supreme CoUrt; and
<br />2. That Council not approve the resolution which was directed to be prepared by
<br /> the City Manager with respect to the use of Section 8 housing to satisfy
<br /> HUD's requirement.
<br />
<br /> BE IT ALSO RESOLVED that the Portsmouth Central Civic Forum recommends to the Council
<br />that a program be implemented that will provide at least 100 new units of housing immediately
<br />
<br />
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