Minutes 06/10/1980 - Laserfiche WebLink

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June i0, 1980 Vernon C. Crump, 2501 Oak Street, representing Central Civic Forum, requested Council to vote in favor of the proposed plan so HUD would release funds for housing. Eric White, 5809 Terry Street, representing Concerned Citizens of Twin Pines Civic League expressed desire for funds to be released to aid the community. Raymond Turner, 526 Bunche Court, spoke concerning the need to rehabilitate the existing housing and against subsidized housing. Anne H. Long, Chairman, Citizens Advisory Committee, submitted the following report: "The Citizens Advisory Committee met on Monday, June 2, 1980 to elicit citizen views regarding the proposed alternatives to the Housing Assistance Plan. After much discussion and deliberation, it was unanimously decided that we not offer a recommendation to you because we received very little input at the publc hearing on the substa~ of the alternatives. Most of the comments addressed opposition to the construction of federal- ly subsidized housing throughout the city. In addition, the committee felt that there were unanswered questions in regard to the management of housing units with no apparent control by the city, and the absence of a monitor~ and reporting system. Also, it was felt that a recommendation was unnecessary in view of the fact that City Council must assume leadership, make a decision, and bring about the release of the 1980 Community Development funds. The Citizens Advisory Committee appreciated the opportunity to obtain citizen imput concerning this extremely vital issue, and it is our hope that this matter can be brought a amicable and satisfactory conclusion. If we can be of further assistance in providing additional information, please do not he§itate to let us know.' tO Mr. Kay offered the following response to Mr~ Gray's question concerning the building of subsidized housing in Portsmouth: "The process requires the sufficient of proposal to VHDA or HUD for funding which proposa~ is referred for comment b~ck to the city-city council. Of course, we hope under the proposal as in the past, we will deal closely with HUD to insure whatever proposal is s~lected for accommodation, meets our specific needs as we see them here in Portsmouth." On motion of Mr. Beamer and seconded by Mr. Gr~y, the and by the following vote: "A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 1980 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PLAN. following resolution was adopted, PROGRAM AND HOUSING I~HEREAS, the~ Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) imposed conditions upon th approval of the City of Portsmouth's 1980 Community Development Program; and WHEREAS, t-he City has objected to munity Development Program Application, imposed by the Federal Government; and the action taken by HUD with regard to its 1980 Com- and has proceeded to attempt to satisfy the conditions WHEREAS, on March 25, 1980 this Council directed the Authority and the City staff to develop alternate housing release of 1980 Community Development funds to continue an in the locality; and Portsmouth Redevel~opment and Housing strategies and plans to assure the aggressive revitalization program WHEREAS, identified physical, economic and social for Federal assistance, said well-documented problems and other Federal agancies~ and problems have qualified this City having been previously accepted by HUD WHEREAS, the existence of a considerable number of substandard multi-family housing units built prior to 1950 and occupied by low and moderate income families and individuals, and the scarcity of land for new development in the City, is one of the City's most critical community development problems; and WHEREAS, without rehabilitation, these multi-family complexes will continue to be sub- standard, ultimately becoming unfit for human habitation and requiring demolition, an action which will serve to significantly deplete the supply of available low and moderate income housing in the City and to disrupt neighborhoods and displace its residents. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia: 1. That it is the judgment of this Council that the rehabilitation of said existing substandard residential developments for families and individuals of low and moderate income is in the best interests of this City and will enable this City to help insure and increase tha~physical viability of its existing housing stock for said families and individuals and to preserve neighborhoods and prevent displacement of its residents. 2. That the substantial and moderate rehabilitation and existing Section 8 programs serw as the primary means to continue to provide and increase safe, decent and sanitary housing in the City of Portsmouth is approved and the City staff and the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority are hereby directed to amend the Housing Assistance Program to accomplish this objective." ng