Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 9, 1993 TAG: 9306090203
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A regional approach would also enable the valley localities to obtain more federal money for housing, especially affordable housing for low- and moderate-income people.
That is one of the conclusions of a $12,000 assessment of the valley's housing needs by the Enterprise Foundation, a nationally known, nonprofit housing foundation.
The report was released Tuesday by the Roanoke Regional Housing Network, a coalition of valley governments, social-service agencies, neighborhood groups and private developers.
Affordable housing is a regional issue - not just a problem in Roanoke, said Jay Marcus, program director for the Enterprise Foundation.
The report contains these recommendations:
The creation of the Roanoke Regional Development Corp., a nonprofit organization designed to undertake new construction and housing rehabilitation projects.
The conversion of the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority into a regional agency that would undertake homeowner and rental rehabilitation projects and issue bonds to provide more money four housing goals.
The three localities should join together to create a housing consortium, which would enable them to increase the amount of federal funds in the region for affordable housing efforts.
Roanoke County and Salem planning departments should investigate density bonuses for affordable housing and work with their governing bodies on housing issues, including the creation of a regional housing authority.
The city's Housing Department should report directly to the city manager, so it can expedite action on housing issues. The city also needs more personnel to enforce regulations on housing.
Total Action Against Poverty's housing corporation should be reorganized and refocused to concentrate on housing for the homeless and others with special needs.
The Roanoke Regional Housing Network should help build public support for affordable housing and advise local governments on the allocation of housing funds.
Most of the recommendations could be implemented within a year, Marcus said.
Sarah Carlson-Wallace, network president, said the group will keep the housing issue before the public and will urge the localities to create a regional housing authority.
The network doesn't have the money to implement the recommendations, but it will push for better housing, she said.
Marcus said it is difficult to quantify housing needs, but several statistics reflect the valley's need:
The number of elderly and female-headed households have each increased by more than 20 percent between 1980 and 1990. Both have higher poverty rates and more housing needs than the rest of the population.
An estimated 2,250 low-income households need assistance to make needed renovations to their houses. At least 2,600 rental units need some rehabilitation.
by CNB